Summary
Captain McFinn: Explore Kindness provides a lesson-based approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades Pre-K-1 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at grades K-1.
Strategies supporting educational equity (CASEL)
Not available at this time.
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)
Pre-K, Elementary (K-5)
Setting
Classroom, Home
Cost
Free - Optional resources available for an additional cost
# Lessons
For additional information please contact the provider
Program Design
Tier 1 (Universal)
Technology Requirements
8
Staffing Requirements
For additional information please contact the provider
Professional Development
Virtual, 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Results from a quasi-experimental longitudinal study (unpublished report written in 2020) supported the effectiveness of Captain McFinn: Explore Kindness for young children in public and private schools. This evaluation included 122 students who were in kindergarten and grade 1 (Black, Latinx, and white >10%; 46 – 74% were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch) in an inner-city. The study found that students who participated in the program demonstrated fewer problem behaviors (i.e., relational and physical aggression) and showed more positive social behaviors (i.e., empathy, prosocial behavior, emotion regulation skills, and prosocial communication) at post-test (outcomes reported eight weeks after baseline), while controlling for outcomes at pretest.
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
Susan Hirt Hagen CORE. (2020). Results for the Captain McFinn Explore Kindness: Social Skills Curriculum. Penn State Behrend.