Summary of Findings & Conclusions (2021)
Based upon K-5th students in a large, local school district in West Michigan in years 2017-19, it was determined that:
- Students in TrueSuccess demonstrate significantly higher annual growth in math and reading scores compared to their peers outside the program.
- Students in TrueSuccess receive 20% fewer suspensions than their peers outside the program. Suspensions decrease with increasing TrueSuccess exposure.
- TrueSuccess clearly has a positive, statistically significant impact on both academic (reading and math) and behavioral (suspensions) metrics. This is true regardless of other factors (e.g., gender, grade, race/ethnicity).
- TrueSuccess’ positive impact on academic performance (reading and math) remains significant regardless of implementation level.
Qualitative Evidence: The post-pandemic effect on students’ SEL needs is tremendous and will likely remain at a very high level for the foreseeable future. Schools utilizing TrueSuccess curriculum both throughout the pandemic (virtually) and upon return to in-person learning have reported that the lessons and feeling of connectivity to others has been a vital source of support for their students’ SEL needs.
Overall Importance of SEL
- A 2017 meta-analysis from the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) shows that investment in SEL has led to improved classroom behavior, better stress management, and 13% gains in academics.
- A 2019 report from the Aspen Institute, “From a Nation at Risk to a Nation at Hope,” compiles evidence confirming that supporting students’ social, emotional, and cognitive development relates positively to traditional measures like attendance, grades, test scores, graduation rates, college and career readiness, and overall well-being.
- SEL programs are proven to be one of the most successful interventions that districts and schools can implement in terms of promoting positive development and academic achievement in K-12 student populations.