Back to Focus Area 4
Print Key ActivityConsistently document SEL implementation, including ongoing successes and challenges they encounter throughout the year
Document Implementation and Outcomes
Collecting data to document SEL implementation and monitoring outcomes throughout implementation helps districts continuously improve.
Below you’ll find an overview of: WHAT high-quality implementation looks like, WHY it’s important, WHEN to engage in this key activity, and WHO to involve. Also see the PROCESS page for step-by-step guidance on how to engage in the work, and the RESOURCES page for additional tools to support your efforts.
What does it mean to document implementation and outcomes?
Documenting implementation and outcomes means that districts are regularly reviewing their progress toward goals and action plans and collecting implementation and outcome data in a timely manner. This documentation occurs throughout the DO phase of the Plan-Do-Study-Act continuous improvement cycle (read more about PDSA Cycles in Key Activity: Planning for Improvement) and provides rich information for the district to reflect on and learn from.
A strong approach to documenting implementation and outcomes means that districts:
Monitor the implementation process to address challenges that arise.
Follow the timelines established in SEL plans to collect implementation and outcome data.
Use the Rubric to assess your approach to documenting implementation and outcomes.
Why does my district need to document implementation and outcomes?
Even with a high-quality action plan, you may never know whether, how, or why your efforts are succeeding. By documenting ongoing successes and challenges, your district is equipped to problem-solve in real time to support high-quality implementation. Collecting outcome data enables your district to provide information about whether SEL implementation is producing desired changes and can help you decide whether to adjust or deepen your efforts.
Who needs to be involved in documenting implementation and outcomes?
Your district’s SEL team will play a key role in documenting implementation and outcomes. In addition, you will want to include:
- Those who are responsible for key activities or action steps in the district’s SEL implementation plan.
- The person who manages the overall SEL continuous improvement process to help keep the team on track by regularly checking in with the owners of each action step.
- Those responsible for overseeing data collection and management to ensure that relevant data are collected as intended and in a timely manner.
- Members of district Research and Evaluation department (or external evaluator if district chooses to partner with one).
When should my district document implementation and outcomes?
Documentation ideally occurs on a regular, ongoing basis throughout implementation, though the specific timing will depend on the type of data collected:
- Documenting implementation: You’ll document implementation as you accomplish action steps throughout the year. CASEL recommends that SEL teams document their implementation progress at every SEL team meeting, including reviewing their goals and related action plans.
- Documenting outcomes: To determine a timeline for documentation, consider when you realistically expect your implementation activities to have some influence on measurable outcomes. Collecting data on an outcome that is not yet expected to have improved may waste time and resources, so you’ll want to set and communicate a clear plan for documenting outcomes.