Changes in Student Well-Being During the COVID Pandemic

• In Event: Social and Emotional Learning During the Pandemic

Abstract

Given evidence of the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) on student’s success in school, this study examined whether SEL skills and well-being changed between fall 2019 and fall 2020 and if this varied by student characteristics in a large urban district. As part of an initiative to utilize SEL to improve school culture, this district surveyed students beginning in fall 2019 and continued to survey students into the 2020-2021 school year. As such, students SEL skills and well-being were measured before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings revealed a concerning change for female students who experienced a decline in the three SEL skills and well-being that were measured. Implications and plans for further analyses are discussed.

Authors

• Daniel Potter, Rice University

• Elizabeth B. Cashiola, Rice University

• Sara Jolly Jones, Houston Endowment

• Hao Ma, Rice University

• Lebena Varghese, ACT, Inc.

• Lorenzo Moore, Aldine Independent School District

• Jon Peters, Aldine Independent School District

• Mark Moreno