Description
The public education system has largely operated on a deficit model where academic data, or failure to achieve, drives system success and social-emotional learning (SEL) and support has been neglected. Recent surges in research, however, highlight the positive impact on academic achievement that social and emotional learning programs can have. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the program Thrively on the development of student social-emotional well-being. Thrively is a strengths-based online learning platform that provides students access to relevant learning experiences around individual interests, career interests, and values. This program evaluation employed quantitative and qualitative approaches. Five teachers and 117 students at one school participated in an online survey to provide information about the implementation of the program and their perceived impact on social-emotional well-being. Teachers also participated in a focus group interview to provide additional insight. Teachers confirmed the need for SEL programs to support students. Evaluation findings indicate some impact on student emotional well-being. Teachers indicated there was a positive impact around student’s awareness of their strengths and a need for SEL programs to be more social and not solitary, such as is done on the online program Thrively. Evaluation results also revealed that there were gaps in implementation due to barriers related to technology along with additional considerations and recommendations for future leaders and program designers. Future evaluation of the program Thrively and other SEL programs is still needed in elementary schools to determine their impact on student’s well-being and self-efficacy.
