Document Implementation and Outcomes

Throughout implementation, it’s important to communicate that the purpose of documenting and collecting data is to drive improvement. This is different than collecting data to evaluate staff, students, or the district itself. Explain that if this information is not collected throughout implementation, it cannot be used to inform SEL continuous improvement moving forward.

Clearly communicating the purpose of these data to all stakeholders can lead to higher quality, more actionable data. When respondents understand that data will be used to guide improvement, they may be more likely to respond and provide more candid answers.

Regularly monitor and follow the timelines that you established in your SEL action plan and/or evaluation plan for collecting implementation and outcome data (See Focus Area 1, Key Activity: Shared Vision and Plan and Focus Area 4, Key Activity: Planning for Improvement). You may have an established process for collecting some data, such as responses to an annual survey climate survey or schools’ reporting of discipline metrics. For newer sources of data, you’ll want to ensure clear roles, responsibilities and timelines are well-established and followed, and address any issues that may arise. It may be helpful to plan regular check-ins between the SEL lead and an SEL point person from the Research and Evaluation team, or whoever is responsible for collecting SEL-related data.

While specific timelines will vary, collecting SEL-related data throughout the year ensures that the information can be leveraged by district- and school-level teams for real time problem-solving and continuous improvement (See Key Activity: Data Reporting and Reflecting for how to compile these data to share with stakeholders.)

When teams regularly take stock of the action steps that are in progress, completed, or experiencing challenges, they can build upon what is going well and problem-solve obstacles. Plan to review your district’s action plan throughout the year to ensure your work is on track to achieve end-of-year goals (See Focus Area 1, Key Activity: Shared Vision and Plan for more on action planning). This review may take place as part of regular SEL team meetings throughout the year, or you may wish to schedule recurring meetings with relevant stakeholders to review the progress of each action plan priority separately.

During these meetings, you’ll want to discuss any implementation challenges arise and how to address them. Also make sure you’re documenting how the action plan is implemented, including what goes well and what obstacles are encountered.

In addition to these regular progress monitoring conversations, CASEL recommends districts hold at least one mid-year and one end-of-year data reflection meeting to review how you’re progressing toward goals and make decisions about whether adjustments need to be made to your strategies. See Key Activity: Data Reflecting and Reporting for guidance.