Summary
Wayfinder provides a lesson-based approach to SEL and is offered for grades K-12. A CASEL-approved evaluation demonstrates evidence of effectiveness for grades 6-9 and 12. Wayfinder utilizes an online platform with an extensive teacher-facing activity library. The program focuses on developing students’ sense of belonging and purpose.
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)
Elementary (K-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
Setting
Classroom, Schoolwide, Home
Language
English
Cost
For additional information please contact the provider
# Lessons
For additional information please contact the provider
Program Design
Tier 1 (Universal)
Technology Requirements
Digital, web-based curriculum
Staffing Requirements
For additional information please contact the provider
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Results from a quasi-experimental evaluation conducted in the 2021-22 academic year (unpublished report written in 2022) supported the effectiveness of Wayfinder for public and private school students. This evaluation included 471 students who were in ninth and twelfth grade (Study 1: 31% Asian/Asian American, 30% white, 22% multiracial, 14% Hispanic/Latino; Study 2: 50% white, 29% Hispanic/Latino) in three different schools in the U.S. West region. The study found that students who participated in the program had improved social awareness, identity expression, engagement, and belonging compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported 12 weeks (Study 1) and 28 weeks (Study 2) after baseline) while controlling for outcome pretest.
Results from a QE conducted in the 2022-23 academic year (published in 2024) supported the effectiveness of Wayfinder for public school students. This evaluation included 3,590 students who were in grades 6-8 attending Title I urban and suburban schools in the Southeast (45% white, 26% Hispanic/Latino, 18% Black/African American 45.2% free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL)). The study found that students who participated in the program had improved school safety compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported 32 weeks after baseline) while controlling for outcome pretest, grade, gender, race/ethnicity, special education status, and English learner status.
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
Malin, H. (2024). Purpose-focused SEL in high school: an evaluation of the Wayfinder purpose curriculum. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2024.2394463
Gage, N. A. (2024). WayFinder Impact Report: An Analysis of Middle Schools. WestEd.