Summary
nXu provides a lesson-based approach to SEL and offers programming for grades 6-12. A CASEL-approved evaluation demonstrates evidence of effectiveness in grade 12. nXu offers a teacher-facing online portal that houses lesson slides, student materials, and facilitation guides. The program combines SEL, purpose development, and career exploration.
Strategies supporting educational equity (CASEL)
nXu features strategies for youth action projects and customizing for context. This includes several project-based, student-driven opportunities to develop collaborative solutions to community and social problems, a focus on elevating the value and worth of students’ identities, and guidance for educators on adapting the curriculum based on their students and school context.
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)
Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
Setting
Classroom, Schoolwide, Home, Community
Language
English
Cost
Pricing available through provider
# Lessons
350 or 175 depending on length
Program Design
Tier 1 (Universal)
Technology Requirements
For additional information please contact the provider
Staffing Requirements
For additional information please contact the provider
Professional Development
Onsite in-person, Virtual
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 quasi-experimental evaluation conducted in the 2021-22 academic year (published in 2024) supported the effectiveness of nXu for charter school students. This evaluation included 104 students in grade 12 from a charter school in the U.S. Northeast region (69.8% Black/African American, 15% Hispanic/Latinx). The study found that students who participated in the program had significantly greater improvement in positive social behavior, purpose, and emotional wellness compared to students in the control group controlling for outcome pretest.
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
McGhee, L., & Kelly, L. (2024). nXu’s High School Purpose and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Development Curriculum [Unpublished Report]. nXu.