Transforming Teacher-Student Relationships to Create Equitable Outcomes: The Role of a Universal SEL Program

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 5:25 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Evaluations of Programs Supporting Students and Families (Table 7)

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a universal SEL program on primary grade students and teachers, and how student of color enrollment moderates these effects, through the lenses of Prosocial Classroom Theory, Ecology Theory, and the systems framework. Data were collected from 80 first- and second-grade classrooms participating in the SSIS SEL CIP effectiveness study during the 2018-2019 school year. Results from a half-longitudinal model showed that SSIS SEL CIP improved teacher-student relationships, which, in turn, enhanced students’ social skills. No moderation effects by student of color enrollment were found. This study extends knowledge on the effectiveness of universal SEL programs in diverse classrooms.

Authors

• Tianying Sun, Pennsylvania State University

• Pui-Wa Lei, Pennsylvania State University

• James Clyde Diperna, Pennsylvania State University

• Susan Hart, Pennsylvania State University

• Hui Zhao, Pennsylvania State University

• Kyle Husmann, Pennsylvania State University