Resources

Resources

Below, you’ll find resources to help adopt and implement evidence-based programs and practices.

Find ready-to-use tools

Title	Document Type
DRC Documents
Oregon’s Recommended Criteria for Adoption of Transformative SEL Materials and Practices As you work with your community to develop unique, local criteria for selecting an evidence-based program, the Oregon Department of Education's recommendations can provide a model, especially when a commitment to equity and culturally responsive pedagogy are at the forefront. SOURCE: Oregon DOE TAGS implementation support evidence-based programs
CASEL Program Guide: Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs To support educators in selecting a high-quality SEL program, our Program Guide serves as a Consumer report-style product that showcases well-designed, evidence-based SEL programs (pre-kindergarten through high school) and the impact they have on student and/or teacher outcomes. SOURCE: CASEL TAGS evidence-based programs elementary school grades classroom level SEL leadership
The Hexagon Tool: Exploring Context Tool for evaluating evidence-based programs on the basis of need, fit, resource availability, evidence, readiness for replication, and capacity to implement. SOURCE: University/Nonprofit Research Institution TAGS implementation support toolkit culturally responsive evidence-based programs SEL leadership
Selecting an Evidence-Based Program This tool offers guiding questions and a rating table template to determine whether an evidence-based program answers the needs of your students, families, teachers, school, and district. SOURCE: CASEL TAGS culturally responsive implementation plan evidence-based programs planning SEL leadership
Planning Professional Learning for Evidence-Based Programs This tool from CASEL's Guide to Schoolwide SEL helps a team answer important questions, assign tasks, and set a timeline to provide initial training and ongoing support for any evidence-based SEL program. SOURCE: CASEL TAGS paraprofessionals security staff budgeting implementation support toolkit counselors teacher training implementation plan evidence-based programs out of school professional learning

Find resources to help you learn more on this topic

Title	Document Type
DRC Documents
The Impact of Enhancing Students’ Social Emotional Learning: A Meta-Analysis of School-Based Universal Interventions Meta-analysis showing that compared to controls, participants in school-based SEL programs demonstrated improved skills and an 11 percentile point gain in achievement. SOURCE: Research Journal TAGS journal article reading lists - staff SEL competence evidence-based programs district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL
Promoting SEL in the Middle and High School Years This brief from Pennsylvania State University reviews the current landscape of universal school-based programs designed to promote social and emotional growth in middle and high school students through skill-focused programs, academic integration, teaching practices, and organizational reform. SOURCE: University/Nonprofit Research Institution TAGS middle school grades high school grades evidence-based programs
The Economic Value of Social and Emotional Learning A benefit-cost analysis of investments in SEL showing that high-quality, research-validated social and emotional learning programs bring a return of $11 for every $1 invested. SOURCE: University/Nonprofit Research Institution TAGS budgeting fundraising human and financial resource alignment evidence-based programs college and career readiness building buy-in for SEL
SEL: Why Students Need It. What Districts are Doing About It. Education First produced this implementation-focused booklet aimed at policymakers, funders, and school/district staff. Featuring Anchorage, Sacramento, and Bridgeport, Connecticut. SOURCE: Education First TAGS SEL overview model SEL schools implementation plan evidence-based programs planning integrate with district priorities building buy-in for SEL
Navigating SEL From the Inside Out: Looking inside and across 25 leading SEL programs: A practical resource for schools and OST providers Extensive report including recommendations for adapting SEL for OST settings, summary tables and profiles for 25 programs, and a Quick Reference to find programs with emphasis on specific skill areas or strategies. SOURCE: University/Nonprofit Research Institution TAGS SEL partnerships evidence-based programs instructional practices out of school
Supporting Social-Emotional Learning With Evidence-Based Programs Annie E. Casey Foundation guide for funding evidence-based SEL programs, for district administrators, funding partners, and providers. Includes real examples/ strategies for funding, implementing, and sustaining. SOURCE: Annie E. Casey Foundation TAGS budgeting implementation support SEL partnerships fundraising implementation plan evidence-based programs SEL leadership
What Does Evidence-Based Instruction in Social and Emotional Learning Actually Look Like in Practice? This brief answers the question: What do school staff actually do in the classroom and school to help students achieve the goals laid out in SEL standards? Describes 4 approaches that together form a comprehensive plan. SOURCE: CASEL TAGS SEL standards research brief implementation plan evidence-based programs instructional practices

See how districts have strategized and planned to implement evidence-based programs

Title	Document Type
DRC Documents
Oregon’s Recommended Criteria for Adoption of Transformative SEL Materials and Practices As you work with your community to develop unique, local criteria for selecting an evidence-based program, the Oregon Department of Education's recommendations can provide a model, especially when a commitment to equity and culturally responsive pedagogy are at the forefront. SOURCE: Oregon DOE TAGS implementation support evidence-based programs
Practices of Promise: Exploring Ways to Share the Power Toward Equitable Decision-Making in Portland Public Schools How can a school district select an SEL program that aligns with its commitment to equity and social justice through an inclusive process that also demonstrates and deepens that commitment? This brief describes Portland's approach that brought many voices to the table, shared decision-making power, built trust, and centered the district's equity work. SOURCE: CASEL TAGS evidence-based programs family and community engagement youth voice
Supporting Implementation of Evidence-Based Programs in El Paso and Oakland In this webinar you will hear from El Paso Independent School District and Oakland Unified School District on their process to support meaningful implementation of SEL programs in their communities. Hear about their lessons learned, what worked well, and the strategies they employed to improve the adult and student experiences of programs. SOURCE: CASEL TAGS implementation support evidence-based programs
Preparing to Select an Evidence-Based Program in Portland Public Schools In this webinar you can hear from Portland Public Schools about the process they took to prepare for adoption of an SEL program. SOURCE: CASEL TAGS evidence-based programs
Practices of Promise: Selecting Evidence-Based Programs Through Meaningful Partnerships Peek into El Paso Independent School District's process for engaging staff, families, and communities in examining and selecting evidence-based SEL programs that align with their school communities’ needs and districtwide vision. SOURCE: CASEL TAGS evidence-based programs family and community engagement
SEL Alignment Tools The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction invited SEL program providers to share crosswalks to show the alignment between their evidence-based programs and Wisconsin's SEL standards. This page includes information about each program, alignment charts, and webinars to introduce program consultants. SOURCE: Wisconsin DPI TAGS SEL standards evidence-based programs
RFP for SEL Curriculum for High School Atlanta's full Request for Proposals for High School SEL programs with sample ad, timeline, and scope of work. SOURCE: Atlanta Public Schools TAGS contracting school board human and financial resource alignment evidence-based programs
RFP for Social and Emotional Learning Programs Nashville's full Request for Proposals for SEL programs, including scope of services and criteria for selection. SOURCE: Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools TAGS contracting school board human and financial resource alignment evidence-based programs
Austin’s MAPS Course for Freshmen (video) MAPS (Methods for Academic and Personal Success) is a credit-bearing course for freshmen at Austin High School and other district high schools to support the transition into high school by teaching students how to organize for success, manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, build and maintain positive relationships, and other critical social and emotional learning and student success skills. SOURCE: Austin Independent School District TAGS advisory/homeroom high school grades college and career readiness