Through decades of research, the evidence is clear: Social and emotional learning (SEL) programs and practices have meaningful, causal impacts on students and adults.
What we’ve learned: SEL should be a part of every student’s education.
The Impact of SEL
Back to topYou may already know that SEL programs are effective at improving student social and emotional competencies and well-being, but did you know it has other positive impacts?
- Stronger attendance: Growth in social and emotional skills is associated with stronger attendance over the course of a year,and SEL can foster schoolwide practices that promote student attendance. Learn more about the impact of SEL on attendance.
- Academic achievement: SEL programs improve academic achievement, including on standardized tests for literacy and math. Learn about CASEL’s work on academic integration.
- Future readiness: Having strong social and emotional skills in childhood is associated with higher rates of full-time employment along with other positive indicators in adulthood related to finances, health, and social behavior. CASEL’s work on workforce development highlights how SEL can connect to efforts to prepare students for their futures.
But it’s not just about building skills for students. Research has long recognized the importance of schoolwide practices and policy for supporting positive outcomes for both students and educators.
The Latest Research
Back to topCASEL is a field-leader in undertaking cutting-edge research, disseminating the latest findings, and leading the discussion about new directions for research.
For the latest research on SEL programs and the impacts on students across domains, check out the SEL Evidence Dashboard. And for additional coverage of the research—along with recommendations for what characteristics of SEL programming matter most—see the Live Handbook on SEL.