Comparing Middle & High School SEL Programs: CASEL SELect List

Introduction

Social and emotional learning (SEL) programs have gained significant recognition for their positive impact on students' well-being and academic success. In urban middle and high schools, where students face unique challenges, implementing effective SEL programs becomes even more critical. To assist educators and administrators in making informed decisions, the CASEL SELect Program List offers a comprehensive selection of evidence-based programs specifically designed for urban contexts. This article aims to explore and compare some of the programs listed on CASEL SELect Program List that cater to middle and high school students in urban areas, empowering educators to create supportive learning environments.

Understanding SEL in Urban Contexts

Urban middle and high school students encounter diverse challenges that can impede their social and emotional development. Factors such as poverty, exposure to violence, and limited resources pose significant barriers to their academic success and overall well-being. SEL programs tailored for urban environments play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by equipping students with essential skills, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Research indicates that when students receive SEL interventions in urban settings, they demonstrate improved academic performance, reduced behavioral issues, and enhanced social-emotional competence.

Exploring the CASEL SELect Program List

The CASEL SELect Program List serves as a valuable resource for educators seeking effective SEL programs for urban middle and high school students. This section will provide an overview of selected programs featured on the list and delve into their Program Description, Evaluation Outcomes, Links to Other Federal Evidence Base Programs.

Organization	Program	Age Range	Description	Evaluation Outcomes	Provider Website	Training Offerings	Federal Registry of Evidence Based Programs Links
EduGuide	EduGuide	K-12	EduGuide is an online platform that empowers students to take ownership of their learning and develop social-emotional skills through guided reflection and goal setting.	Improved student academic performance increased student engagement and motivation improved school culture and climate.	Link	Online training for educators
EL Education	EL Education	K-12	EL Education is a comprehensive curriculum and professional development program that integrates social-emotional learning with academic instruction, service learning, and character education.	Improved academic achievement increased student engagement and motivation improved school culture and climate.	link	Onsite and online training for educators
Facing History and Ourselves	Facing History and Ourselves	6-12	Facing History and Ourselves is a curriculum and professional development program that helps students explore the complexities of history and the choices people make in the face of challenging circumstances.	Increased student empathy and perspective-taking improved critical thinking and decision-making skills increased civic engagement.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators
Get Real: Comprehensive Sex Education that Works	Get Real	6-12	Get Real is a comprehensive, evidence-based sex education program that helps students develop healthy relationships and make informed decisions about their sexual health.	Increased knowledge about sexual health and healthy relationships increased condom and contraceptive use delayed onset of sexual activity.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators
PBLWorks	PBLWorks	K-12	PBLWorks is a comprehensive project-based learning program that integrates social-emotional learning with academic instruction, service learning, and character education.	Improved academic achievement increased student engagement and motivation improved school culture and climate.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators
The Leadership Program’s Violence Prevention Project (VPP)	VPP	6-12	VPP is a violence prevention program that helps students develop social-emotional skills to resolve conflicts peacefully and create a positive school climate.	Improved conflict resolution skills reduced disciplinary incidents increased student engagement and motivation.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators	Program Link
Reading with Relevance	Reading with Relevance	K-5	Reading with Relevance is a literacy program that helps students develop social-emotional skills through the use of diverse, culturally relevant literature.	Improved reading comprehension, increased empathy and perspective-taking, improved social-emotional skills.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators
Hallway Heroes	Hallway Heroes	K-5	Hallway Heroes is a bullying prevention program that teaches students to be "upstanders" who stand up for themselves and others in the face of bullying.	Reduced bullying incidents, increased empathy and perspective-taking, improved social-emotional skills.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators
Peace Learning Circles	Peace Learning Circles	K-5	Peace Learning Circles is a restorative justice program that helps students build community and resolve conflicts through collaborative problem-solving.	Improved conflict resolution skills, reduced disciplinary incidents, improved school culture and climate.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators
Reading Apprenticeship	Reading Apprenticeship	6-12	Reading Apprenticeship is a literacy program that helps students develop social-emotional skills through the use of metacognitive strategies and collaboration.	Improved reading comprehension, increased student engagement and motivation, improved social-emotional skills.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators
Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP)	RCCP	K-12	RCCP is a violence prevention and conflict resolution program that helps students develop social-emotional skills to resolve conflicts peacefully and create a positive school climate.	Reduced disciplinary incidents, increased student engagement and motivation, improved school culture and climate.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators	Link
RULER Approach	RULER	K-12	RULER is a social-emotional learning program that helps students develop emotional intelligence through the use of a "feeling words" curriculum and other evidence-based strategies.	Improved emotional intelligence, increased empathy and perspective-taking, improved school culture and climate.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators	Link
Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS) Classroom Intervention Program	SSIS	K-12	SSIS is a social-emotional learning program that helps students develop social skills through evidence-based interventions and curriculum.	Improved social skills, increased student engagement and motivation, improved school culture and climate.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators	Link
SPARK: Speaking to the Potential, Ability, & Resilience Inside Every Kid	SPARK	K-12	SPARK is a social-emotional learning program that helps students develop resilience and grit through the use of evidence-based strategies and curriculum.	Increased resilience and grit, improved school engagement and attendance, improved school culture and climate.	Link	Onsite and online training for educators

Evaluating the Effectiveness of SEL Programs in Urban Areas

To evaluate the effectiveness of SEL programs in urban areas, it is crucial to utilize appropriate evaluation metrics and methodologies. Pre and post assessments of social-emotional competencies, analysis of academic performance data, and tracking of behavior and disciplinary records can provide valuable insights. Research studies consistently demonstrate that implementing SEL programs in urban settings yields positive outcomes, including improved academic achievement, increased graduation rates, and enhanced interpersonal skills.

Choosing the Right SEL Program for Your School

When selecting an SEL program for your urban middle or high school, consider the following factors:

Assessing the specific needs and challenges of your school: Conduct a thorough assessment to identify the unique social and emotional needs of your students within the urban context.
Aligning program goals with school objectives: Ensure that the program aligns with your school's mission, values, and educational objectives. Look for programs that target the specific outcomes you aim to achieve.
Considering program scalability and sustainability: Evaluate the program's scalability to ensure it can be effectively implemented across your school or district. Consider factors such as costs, required training for staff, and ongoing support to ensure long-term sustainability.
Involving stakeholders in the decision-making process: Seek input from teachers, administrators, students, and parents to ensure their perspectives are considered. Collaborative decision-making promotes buy-in and increases the likelihood of successful program implementation.

Conclusion

SEL programs tailored for middle and high school students in urban areas play a crucial role in fostering their social and emotional well-being. The CASEL SELect Program List serves as a valuable resource for educators and administrators, providing evidence-based programs specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by urban students. By carefully evaluating and comparing the programs on the list, educators can make informed decisions that positively impact students' lives. Implementing effective SEL programs in urban schools contributes to improved academic performance, enhanced resilience, and a brighter future for students in urban communities. Let us embrace the power of SEL and prioritize the holistic development of our students in urban middle and high schools.