A Synthesis of Quantitative Research on Social and Emotional Learning Programs

• In Event: Comprehensive Overview of Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness

Abstract

This article reviews research on the outcomes of diverse social-emotional learning programs on a variety of outcomes for students in grades K-12. Fifty-nine studies of 42 different programs met rigorous standards. Eighty-five percent were randomized experiments and 15% were quasi-experiments. These studies assessed outcomes in four main categories: academic outcomes, problem behaviors, social relationships, and emotional wellbeing. The mean effect sizes across outcome types were moderate (+0.08 to +0.12). However, substantial variation existed in the reported impacts, and no clear patterns were identified to explain that variation. There are several hundred SEL programs available, yet the effectiveness of those programs varies. Schools should be encouraged to choose the proven programs most appropriate to their contexts, to maximize intervention effects.

Authors

• Sooyeon Byun, Johns Hopkins University

• Amanda Neitzel, Johns Hopkins University

• Elizabeth Kim, Johns Hopkins University

• Cynthia Lake, Johns Hopkins University

• Nathan Storey, Johns Hopkins University

• Claire Chuter, Johns Hopkins University

• Robert Slavin, Johns Hopkins University