Work

Real-world universal SEL and academic outcomes: An effectiveness trial in second grade

Year: 2025

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: In this preregistered cluster randomized effectiveness trial, the Social Skills Improvement System – Social-Emotional Learning Edition – Classwide Intervention Program was evaluated under routine conditions in 40 s-grade classrooms (N = 321 students) across 13 schools. Teachers in schools randomly assigned to the treatment condition employed their typical approach to program implementation without research team involvement while control classrooms continued business-as-usual practices. Participating students’ academic skills were directly assessed, and teachers provided ratings of students’ motivation and engagement. Observers collected engagement data for a randomly selected subset of students from each classroom. Although no statistically significant main effects were detected, two moderated effects were found whereby students with lower initial skills in mathematics and academic engagement demonstrated improved outcomes relative to their peers in business-as-usual classrooms. Research and practice considerations regarding universal SEL programming implemented in real-world settings are discussed.

Source: The Journal of Educational Research

DOI: 10.1080/00220671.2025.2568068

Authors: Susan Crandall Hart, James C. DiPerna, Pui-Wa Lei, Tianying Sun, Hui Zhao

Institution: Pennsylvania State University

Language: English

Topic: Early Childhood Education and Development

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Institute of Education Sciences