A Primer for Continuous Improvement in Schools and Districts

This white paper lays out a model and principles for improvement, describes the Plan-Do-Study-Act Cycle, and includes examples for using a Fishbone Diagram and a Driver Diagram to define a problem and establish an aim.

TAGS assessment continuous improvement implementation evaluation planning

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

School and Classroom Walkthrough Rubric (Nashville)

Nashville's clear, succinct yet detailed rubric collects data on schoolwide environment, community gatherings, classroom instruction, classroom environment & discipline in order to provide rich, actionable feedback to schools.

TAGS implementation support define SEL metrics assessment school visit/observation tool data dashboards conducting local SEL research continuous improvement implementation monitoring 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 Trends: Using Data for Improvement

CASEL profiles Austin ISD, El Paso ISD, Nashville Metropolitan School District, and Washoe County School District, about how district leaders in SEL and research have worked together to use data to improve implementation of their SEL strategies. Includes links to artifacts and research reports from the districts.

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

Early Lessons from Schools and Out-of-School Time Programs Implementing Social and Emotional Learning

This report details the study of partnerships between schools and out of school time partners working together to implement SEL in a coordinated way, organizing lessons learned into 4 main categories: system-level launch activities, developing partnerships, developing adults' capacity to promote SEL, and improving climate and delivering SEL instruction.

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Rapid Learning Cycles for Continuous Improvement

This tool helps a team learn about the effectiveness of their SEL strategies and decide whether they should adjust implementation practices to move closer to their SEL goals.

TAGS continuous improvement implementation monitoring implementation evaluation

Student SEL Data Reflection Protocol

Student perspective is essential for understanding district data and making equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive decisions. This tool presents a student-led, structured process for students to reflect on school and district data in partnership with adults, to observe trends and discuss ideas for improvement of SEL implementation.

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SEL Inventory – Elementary Interview

This interview protocol was used by evaluators at elementary school sites in Sacramento City to gather baseline data on the implementation of SEL programs and practices. Includes handouts that were provided to interviewees.

TAGS assessment evidence-based programs school visit/observation tool elementary school grades 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