From guest blogger Nirvi Shah:
A new review of social and emotional learning programs for schools looked at dozens of programs for pre-K and elementary students, highlighting 23 that promote students' self-control, relationship building, and problem solving, among other skills.
The review, by the Chicago-based Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, rated programs based on whether they provide opportunities for students to practice their social and emotional skills, the contexts in which those skills are promoted and reinforced, and whether there is evidence of the programs' effectiveness. However the report notes that the outcomes of each program—which have been studied by researchers—varied. Most demonstrated an effect on students' behavior, with outcomes such as positive social behavior and a reduction in behavior problems, but only some showed an effect on emotional distress and academic performance.
