Summary
School-Connect provides a lesson-based approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades 6-12 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness in grade 9. Translated materials for School-Connect are available in Spanish. School-Connect is used in dedicated SEL classes, school-wide advisory, special education, alternative education, and vocational ed. School-Connect’s SEL Integration Guide includes “SEL Essentials” for school administrators, counselors, teachers, coaches, community members, and parents.
Strategies supporting educational equity (CASEL)
School Connect features strategies for youth action projects. This includes a lesson that encourages students to be change agents by teaching them how to create and implement plans that promote positive change.
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)
High School (9-12), Middle (6-8)
Setting
Classroom, Community, Home, Schoolwide
Language
English, Spanish
Cost
Varies by license type, school size, and subscription length; For additional information please contact the provider
# Lessons
96 (8 lessons per the 12 modules)
Program Design
Tier 1 (Universal)
Technology Requirements
For additional information please contact the provider
Staffing Requirements
No additional staffing required
Professional Development
Onsite in-person, Virtual, Offsite, Train the Trainer
Outcomes
Improved Academic Performance
Reduced Emotional Distress
Improved Identity Development/ Agency
Reduced Problem Behavior
Improved School Climate
Improved School Connectedness
Improved Prosocial Behavior
Improved Teaching Practices
Improved SEL Skills and Attitudes
Advocate for reducing stigma associated with emotional and mental and behavioral health
Compare & contrast emotional, mental-behavioral illness, mental well-being and concurrent disorders
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
Decreased suicidal behavior
Improved attitude/behavior related to suicide
Increased help-seeking behavior
Improved identification of individuals at-risk for suicide
Decreased substance use
Improved attitude/behavior related to substance use
Evidence of Effectiveness
Results from a quasi-experimental evaluation conducted in the 2014-2015 academic year (unpublished report written in 2016) support the effectiveness of School-Connect for high school students. The evaluation included 947 grade 9 students (63% Latinx, 18% white, 15% Black/African American; 63% eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL)). This evaluation found that students who participated in the intervention demonstrated higher average core subject passing rates, and were less likely to be disruptive in class and rude to adults compared to students in the comparison group (outcomes reported 12 months after baseline while controlling for outcome pretest). At a six month follow up, students who participated in the program outperformed the comparison group on social studies grades and social studies passing rates. However, the evaluation also found that the comparison group outperformed students who participated in the program on math grades, English language arts grades (ELA), and ELA passing rates.
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
Hutson, A., Beland, K., & Douglass, J. (2016). A School-Connect Intervention Impact on High School Students’ Discipline Referrals and Academic Outcomes. Unpublished report.