EXPANDED LEARNING 360/365
  • ABOUT
    • MISSION & PURPOSE
    • PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
    • Contact
  • RESOURCES
    • RESEARCH & ARTICLES
    • 360°/365 ARTICLES
    • TOOLS & VIDEOS
  • TRAINING & SUPPORT
  • BLOG

360°/365 Blog

SEL in Dollars and $ense

1/14/2016

0 Comments

 
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.
​
-------------------
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]

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Sam Piha is the founder and principal of Temescal Associates, a consulting group dedicated to building the capacity of leaders and organizations in education and youth development.

    Sam began his career in 1974 as an afterschool worker, an experience that led to 10 years of classroom teaching, and later work as a child and family counselor and school social worker. 

    Archives

    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • ABOUT
    • MISSION & PURPOSE
    • PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
    • Contact
  • RESOURCES
    • RESEARCH & ARTICLES
    • 360°/365 ARTICLES
    • TOOLS & VIDEOS
  • TRAINING & SUPPORT
  • BLOG