Implementation » Introduction

Numerous SEL programs have documented their positive impacts on students in well-designed research studies. But simply selecting an evidence-based program will not ensure a school’s success with SEL. Ample research demonstrates that the quality of implementation will determine whether a program or group of practices will succeed or fail in benefiting students in any particular setting. A program that is not well implemented (e.g., only a portion of the developer’s recommended training is given to staff) or not implemented with fidelity (e.g., key components or lessons are omitted) is unlikely to succeed.

While there are many reasons programs fail to be implemented well, we know the following elements must be in place: the school community must be enthusiastic about the initiative, have the confidence and skills to carry it off, and have the support and encouragement of school leadership, policies, and structures to sustain their SEL work. Adopting and sustaining a successful schoolwide SEL initiative, as with other major school change efforts, involves a series of steps and ongoing commitment. It generally takes at least three to five years for any major organizational change to become fully implemented schoolwide. SEL programming is no exception.