SEL: Best Practices and Barriers to Successful Implementation

From Austin Independent School District's Department of Research and Evaluation, this report shares findings from district case studies that underscore the importance of four key themes that influence the quality and sustainability of SEL implementation.

TAGS implementation support conducting local SEL research implementation monitoring implementation evaluation

Sample School Report – Staff Survey on SEL Implementation

To support schools in their process of SEL continuous improvement, provide school leaders with data that gives insight relevant to their SEL goals and action plans. This report is an example of what a district might provide to a school, summarizing staff responses to CASEL's survey on SEL implementation.

TAGS implementation support continuous improvement implementation monitoring

Districtwide SEL Implementation Rubric

This rubric helps districts answer the question “Where are we now?” in relation to systemic SEL implementation. CASEL recommends that districts complete this rubric at the beginning and end of each school year to mark progress and update their action plan for the coming year.

TAGS implementation plan continuous improvement implementation monitoring

Sacramento City Districtwide SEL Program Inventory

This is an example of a third-party report on SEL programs and practices throughout the district, shared by Sacramento City, including a site level inventory as well as findings and recommendations regarding implementation and monitoring.

TAGS assessment evidence-based programs data dashboards conducting local SEL research implementation monitoring implementation evaluation

Sacramento City Districtwide SEL Program Inventory

This is an example of a third-party report on SEL programs and practices throughout the district, shared by Sacramento City, including a site level inventory as well as findings and recommendations regarding implementation and monitoring.

TAGS assessment evidence-based programs data dashboards conducting local SEL research continuous improvement implementation monitoring implementation evaluation

Districtwide Indicators of SEL Implementation

CASEL’s District Framework identifies key activities for districtwide SEL implementation. When these activities are fully implemented, districts infuse SEL into every aspect of students’ educational experience -- across their classrooms, schools, homes and communities. The indicators below provide evidence of high-quality implementation throughout the district.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation evaluation integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise

El Paso SEL Implementation Report

This report on El Paso's first year of SEL implementation answers the questions: How was SEL capacity built? How has SEL impacted climate and perception? How has SEL impacted discipline and attendance? and How do school stakeholders view their implementation success?

TAGS define SEL metrics data dashboards conducting local SEL research implementation evaluation

SEL Data Reflection Protocol

This tool presents a structured reflection process for SEL teams and other district stakeholders to observe trends and discuss ideas for continuous improvement of SEL implementation. It emphasizes the importance of examining data with an equity lens and elevating a range of perspectives when interpreting data.

TAGS implementation support continuous improvement implementation monitoring implementation evaluation

SEL Implementation Guide from Austin ISD

In this resource, Austin Independent School District shares an overview of their SEL story, the results they have seen, and tips learned along the way. This presents a detailed and successful model to share with district leaders who are preparing an implementation plan or just beginning to consider investing in SEL.

TAGS implementation plan communications planning building buy-in for SEL

Develop a Long-term SEL Implementation Roadmap

This tool provides a template and step-by-step instructions to help district SEL teams develop a three to five-year roadmap for SEL implementation to achieve the district’s long-term SEL goals and shared vision.

TAGS define SEL metrics implementation plan planning