Social and Emotional Learning Interventions Under the Every Student Succeeds Act

  • RAND Corporation
  • December 8, 2017

A new review conducted by RAND Corporation and commissioned by The Wallace Foundation found that Playworks stands out among social and emotional learning (SEL) programs for evidence of impact. The review found that the Playworks Coach service is one of only seven elementary school SEL interventions to meet the highest criteria for evidence of impact under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Related Links

Abstract

The reauthorization of the U.S. Elementary and Secondary Education Act, referred to as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), emphasizes evidence-based interventions while giving states and districts new flexibility on the use of federal funds, including funds that could be used to support social and emotional learning (SEL). The authors review recent evidence on U.S.-based SEL interventions for K–12 students to better inform the use of SEL interventions under ESSA. This report discusses the opportunities for supporting SEL under ESSA, the standards of evidence under ESSA, and SEL interventions that meet the standards of evidence and might be eligible for federal funds through ESSA. Federal, state, and district education policymakers can use this report to identify relevant, evidence-based SEL interventions that meet their local needs. A companion volume (available on the website) catalogues these interventions in more detail and outlines the research that has examined them.

Citation

Grant, Sean, Laura S. Hamilton, Stephani L. Wrabel, Celia J. Gomez, Anamarie Whitaker, Jennifer T. Leschitz, Fatih Unlu, Emilio R. Chavez-Herrerias, Garrett Baker, Mark Barrett, Mark Harris and Alyssa Ramos. Social and Emotional Learning Interventions Under the Every Student Succeeds Act: Evidence Review. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2017. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR2133.html. Also available in print form.

Related Studies


May 2, 2013

Impact and Implementation Findings from an Experimental Evaluation of Playworks: Effects on School Climate, Academic Learning, Student Social Skills and Behavior ›

Summary A randomized control trial by Mathematica Policy Research and Stanford University found that compared to control schools, Students are more physically active at Playworks schools: There was a 43% difference in the amount of time students spent in vigorous activity during recess at Playworks schools compared to non Playworks schools.   Playworks schools have…

April 11, 2017

The Impact of a Multi-Component Physical Activity Programme in Low-Income Elementary Schools ›

Results from this study provide evidence that school recess can be used to teach social–emotional competencies that can impact student behavior during recess and in the classroom. There were an increased amount of positive interactions between adults and students and a decreased amount of conflict in the playground at Playworks schools post intervention. Results also…

December 1, 2014

Playing Fair: The Contribution of High-Functioning Recess to Overall School Climate in Low-Income Elementary Schools ›

In schools that achieved a high functioning recess, teachers and principals agreed that by the end of the year, recess offered more opportunities for student engagement, conflict resolution, pro-social skill development, and emotional and physical safety. Respondents linked these changes to improved overall school climate.