Summary
Michigan Model for Health: Elementary, offered by the Michigan Department for Health and Human Services, provides a lesson-based approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades K-5 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at grades 4-5. Programming for grades 6-8 are available through its companion program, Michigan Model for Health: Middle School.
Strategies supporting educational equity (CASEL)
Michigan Model for Health: Elementary offers strategies for youth action projects. This includes guidance for students to create and implement an advocacy campaign on an issue that impacts their school and local community.
Implementation
Below are key implementation details for this program. These specifications help determine if the program is a good fit for your school or organization.
Grade(s)
Elementary (K-5)
Setting
Classroom, Home
Language
English
Cost
Pricing available through provider
# Lessons
Unspecified
Program Design
Tier 1 (Universal)
Technology Requirements
Unspecified
Staffing Requirements
Unspecified
Professional Development
Onsite in-person, Virtual, Offsite, Train the trainer
Outcomes
Advocate for reducing stigma associated with emotional and mental and behavioral health
Compare & contrast emotional, mental-behavioral illness, mental well-being and concurrent disorders
Decreased suicidal behavior
Describe how self-harm or suicide impacts other people
Describe laws related to minors accessing mental health care
Explain how to help someone who is thinking about attempting suicide
Identify school and community resources that can help a person with emotional, mental and behavioral health concerns
Improved Academic Performance
Improved attitude/behavior related to suicide
Improved identification of individuals at-risk for suicide
Improved Identity Development/ Agency
Improved Prosocial Behavior
Improved School Climate
Improved School Connectedness
Improved SEL Skills and Attitudes
Improved Teaching Practices
Increased help-seeking behavior
Reduced Emotional Distress
Reduced Problem Behavior
Evidence of Effectiveness
Results from a randomized controlled trial evaluation published in 2011 supported Michigan Model for Health: Elementary’s effectiveness with elementary school students. This evaluation was conducted with a sample of 2,512 students in grades 4 and 5 in U.S. Midwest region (54% white, 38% Black/African American; 46% of students in participating schools were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL)). This evaluation found that students who participated in the Michigan Model for Health: Elementary program self-reported lower aggressive behaviors, alcohol use behaviors, and cigarette use behaviors compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported three months, 4.5 months, 12 months, 15 months and 16.5 months after baseline). Additionally, students who participated in the Michigan Model for Health: Elementary program self-reported lower intentions to use alcohol and cigarettes, and greater drug refusal skills, interpersonal skills, and social and emotional health skills.
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
O’Neill, J. M., Clark, J. K., & Jones, J. A. (2011). Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Substance Abuse and Violence in Elementary Students: A Randomized Control Study of the Michigan Model for Health. Journal of School Health, 81(6), 320-330.