Research Brief

The Academic Impact of Responsiveness to Student Voice

A study of Chicago Public Schools found that academic performance is related to schools' responsiveness to student concerns. This research brief shares how outcomes were measured and why these may be connected.

TAGS student leadership research brief youth voice

The Continuous Improvement Journey: Where Are We now and Where Do We Want To Go?

This brief offers a case study focused on Guilford County Schools in North Carolina, to illustrate the experience of a research-practice partnership between CASEL researchers and the district and the use of goal-setting, data, and reflection for continuous improvement.

TAGS research brief conducting local SEL research continuous improvement

Structural Supports to Promote Teacher Well-Being

This brief summarizes what research says about supporting teacher well-being, and includes strategies to consider and strategies to avoid.

TAGS research brief culture and climate SEL leadership

Ready to Lead: Principals’ Perspectives on How Social and Emotional Learning Can Prepare Children and Transform Schools

This report shows widespread support for SEL among K-12 principals, highlights needs for greater state and district support, and provides policy recommendations. It makes a strong case for investing in SEL.

TAGS research brief building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

Applying an Equity Lens to Social, Emotional, and Academic Development

This issue brief describes 5 major barriers to equitable access to social emotional learning and positive life outcomes, and corresponding opportunities for districts to to dismantle those barriers by approaching SEL in ways that are grounded in equity and justice.

TAGS cultural competence anti-bias trauma board policies SEL competence research brief equity student discipline

This Time, With Feeling: Integrating Social and Emotional Development and College and Career Readiness Standards

Primer on the interconnections of social and emotional development and ambitious academic goals in achieving college and career readiness. Includes examples of how SEL is relevant in ELA, Math, and Science and recommendations for action.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration Science english/language arts math reading lists - staff research brief CCSS SEL overview college and career readiness PK-12 integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

Webinar: Leveraging SEL to Promote Equity

Webinar highlighting district challenges and promising practices, featuring Dr. Rob Jagers' review of research on SEL's connection to equitable outcomes for diverse student populations.

TAGS cultural competence Adult SEL anti-bias research brief equity culturally responsive

A Case for School Connectedness

Short article from Educational Leadership describing the impact of strong school connectedness on academic achievement, behavior, absenteeism, and school completion, as well as and practices that enhance it.

TAGS bullying prevention mental health journal article relationship skills research brief advisory/homeroom middle school grades high school grades culture and climate building community integrate with district priorities

Article: Academic Learning + Social-Emotional Learning = National Priority

A 5 page article that describes social and emotional learning and its impact to a broad audience and makes the case for SEL as a district level, state, and national priority in education.

TAGS reading lists - staff SEL competence research brief SEL overview district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

The Effects of Program Implementation and Longevity

This research brief from the Austin ISD Department of Research and Evaluation examines the question -- Do outcomes associated with SEL programming improve with time? Is there a difference in outcomes between schools that have been implementing for 4+ years compared with schools that are newer to SEL?

TAGS research brief data dashboards conducting local SEL research continuous improvement