Positive Impact of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs

September 18, 2019

The Positive Impact of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs

What if there was a universal, social & emotional curriculum that rallies all of the adults in a student’s life around their strengths?

The Character Effect™ is a program from Beech Acres Parenting Center designed to do just that. Combining the brain science of mindfulness and the power of character strengths, The Character Effect™ is having a profound impact in schools across the tri state.

Social and emotional learning programs like The Character Effect™ are effective at having a positive impact on student’s emotional well-being and their academic performance.

A recent meta-analysis[i] revealed the following:

  • Students in school-based social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions continued to demonstrate significant, positive benefits long after program participation concludes.
  • 3.5 years after SEL interventions concluded, the average academic performance of students in these programs was 13% higher than their peers.
  • Universal SEL programs not only significantly improved students’ skills, positive attitudes, prosocial behavior, and academic performance, they also served as a protective factor against the development of subsequent problems such as conduct problems, emotional distress, and drug use.
  • The long-term impact of universal SEL programs includes increased rates of high school graduation and college attendance, as well as decreased rates of teen pregnancy and juvenile justice system involvement.

There is also evidence of a positive financial return on investment for SEL programs, given their impact on long-term outcomes such as graduation rates and involvement in the juvenile justice system. In a review of the return on investment for SEL programs, the authors found that for every dollar invested in SEL programs, there was a return of at least 2.5 dollars.[ii]

To learn more about implementing The Character Effect™ at your school contact us.

[i]Taylor, Rebecca D., et al. “Promoting positive youth development through school‐based social and emotional learning interventions: A meta‐analysis of follow‐up effects.” Child development 88.4 (2017): 1156-1171.

[ii]Belfield, Clive, et al. “The economic value of social and emotional learning.” Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis 6.3 (2015): 508-544.