Reviewing SEL programs for middle and high schoolers: A comprehensive guide

By Ashley Grant, Johns Hopkins University

Social-emotional learning (SEL) continues to garner attention and funding as policymakers seek to address the growing mental health crisis among students. A review by The Easel Lab at Harvard’s GSE and the Wallace Foundation of 18 middle and high school SEL programs aims  to provide guidance for practitioners selecting and implementing SEL programs. This comprehensive  guide covers  SEL program best practices (in design and implementation), possible integration with out-of-school time programming, and integrating equity and trauma-informed responses. Additionally, the resource compares the programs based on included skills, strategies, and components, and provides detailed program profiles.

Fourteen of the programs reviewed have shown positive impacts in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while the other four are novel programs with only Tier IV evidence. The authors note that evidence on SEL programs for middle and high school students lags behind that for elementary-aged children. Additionally, the review does not include programs like PBIS or Restorative Practices, which are considered systems of support not solely focused on SEL.