Many students are still recovering from the trauma, isolation, and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. They also face ongoing concerns such as teacher shortages, school violence, politicization, and rising rates of anxiety and depression. To combat these challenges, many districts are implementing programs to strengthen school climate and support social-emotional learning (SEL). But how do districts know if these student well-being programs are working? The answer lies in program evaluation.
Program evaluation provides a process for districts to critically assess new and existing SEL programs to gauge whether they’re working or if they need improvements. Decades of research show that a safe and supportive school climate with opportunities for SEL are linked to improved student achievement and engagement outcomes.
Hanover Research’s Student Well-Being Program Evaluation Checklist helps K–12 leaders understand how to apply a systematic, evidence-based process to measure a program’s overall effectiveness and truly support student needs.
