Summary
Inner Explorer provides lesson-based and teaching practices approaches to SEL. Inner Explorer offers programming for Pre-K-12. A CASEL-approved evaluation demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at grade 3. Inner Explorer is delivered via an online platform that teachers can log into to play daily mindfulness-focused video lessons for students. Materials are offered in Spanish and Ukrainian.
Strategies supporting educational equity (CASEL)
Inner Explorer features strategies for youth action projects and customizing for context. This includes student-facing guidance for establishing a Mindfulness Club at their school site and supplementary lessons designed to be administered to support specific student needs (e.g., safety, test-taking anxiety).
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), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
Setting
Classroom, Schoolwide, Home, Community
Language
English, Spanish, Additional Languages
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 quasi-experimental evaluation conducted in the 2011-2012 school year (published in 2015) supported the effectiveness of the Inner Explorer program for elementary school students. This evaluation included 191 grade 3 students in the U.S. Midwest (23% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL)). This evaluation found that students receiving the Inner Explorer program showed significantly greater growth in teacher-reported reading and science grades than the control group (outcomes reported approximately eight weeks after baseline, while controlling for outcome pretest).
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
Bakosh, L. S., Snow, R. M., Tobias, J. M., Houlihan, J. L., & Barbosa-Leiker, C. (2016). Maximizing Mindful Learning: Mindful Awareness Intervention Improves Elementary School Students’ Quarterly Grades. Mindfulness, 7(1), 59-67.