SEL in Dollars and $ense

Sam Piha

We have known for decades that social emotional learning (SEL) is important in youth development - even before the term "social emotional learning" was created. But in this country, common sense is not fully accepted until it's scientifically proven.

In 2007, researchers Joseph Durlak and Roger Weissberg published two meta analyses on the importance of social emotional learning within schools and after school programs.

"After-school programs [those programs that promoted SEL skills using research-based methods] succeeded in improving youths’ feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem, school bonding (positive feelings and attitudes toward school), positive social behaviors, school grades and achievement test scores." (1)

But are we sure that promoting SEL skills pays off in terms of the the almighty dollar? Until
recently, "few think that developing healthy emotions and social connectivity is really a good return on investment." (2)

Now, Columbia University (Center for Benefit-Cost Studies in Education Teachers College) has answered that question. This new study examines the economic value of social and emotional learning.

The researchers from Columbia University "examined the economic returns from investments in six prominent social and emotional interventions—from learning and literacy programs to combat aggression and violence; to efforts to promote positive thinking, actions, and self-concepts; to practices that improve problem-solving abilities, capacities to manage emotions, and the very skills that lead to greater student motivation and engagement in their learning.

Their findings are striking: Each of the socially and emotionally focused programs—4R’s, Positive Action, Life Skills Training, Second Step, Responsive Classroom, and Social and Emotional Training (Sweden)—showed significant benefits that exceeded costs. In fact, the average among the six interventions showed that for every dollar invested, there is a return of more than 11 dollars. The lead researcher told us, 'These are unprecedented returns, particularly given that, while the estimates of the costs are clear, only a portion of the possible benefits are captured.' Benefits include reductions in child aggression, substance abuse, delinquency, and violence; lower levels of depression and anxiety; and increased grades, attendance, and performance in core academic subjects." (2)

Eleven dollars return for every one dollar investment - that's not bad. Now that we know that promoting social emotional skills improve youth outcomes and can be quantified in dollars and cents, let's get to the work of reshaping our practices in classrooms and informal settings.
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Citations:
(1) Durlak, J. and Weissberg, R.; "The Impact of After-School Programs That Promote Personal and
SocialSkills"; CASEL, 2007; [http://static1.squarespace.com/static/513f79f9e4b05ce7b70e9673/t/526a2547e4b0dda0159b1acb/1382688071013/the-impact-of-after-school-programs-that-promote-personal-and-social-skills.pdf]
(2) Shriver, T. and Bridgeland, J.; "Social-Emotional Learning Pays Off"; Education Week Commentary, 2015; [http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/02/26/social-emotional-learning-pays-off.html]