The Relationship of Social and Emotional Skills and School Climate to ACT Test Scores

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Four
  In Roundtable Session: Social and Emotional Learning and Student Academic Performance (Table 18)

Abstract

Social and emotional skills are related to many positive outcomes, including academic performance and life satisfaction, and are often taught through social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between these skills and ACT® test scores. Using the Mosaic™ by ACT® SEL assessment we obtained 5 SEL scores and 2 school climate scores for 6,747 students that were also matched to ACT scores. Results shows that SEL skills and school climate predict ACT composite scores and are positively related to an increased probability of achieving the ACT college readiness benchmarks for English, Reading, Math and Science. The strongest predictors were Sustaining Effort, Keeping an Open Mind and School Safety.

Authors

• Cristina Anguiano-Carrasco, ACT, Inc.
  Presenting Author

• Jill McVey, ACT, Inc.
  Presenting Author

• Jeremy Burrus, ACT, Inc.
  Non-Presenting Author