A Comprehensive Implementation Plan
A Comprehensive Implementation Plan
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Over the course of reviewing the SEL literature, several themes on how to best implement a SEL program emerged.
Step 1: Preparation (3+ months ahead)
Step 1: Preparation (3+ months ahead)
Administrator buy-in has been listed as one of the most critical factors in launching a successful SEL program. SEL programs are not just for teachers, they are for schools and require proper buy-in from the whole team.
With that in mind, take your time to find the right program for your school, something you can get excited about. Buy and skim a book from the recommended reading list. Watch a youtube video or webinar until you find a program you can't wait to share with your teachers.
The 2019 Los Angeles Adventist Academy Faculty
After you find the right program, start talking it up with your teachers. Make it clear that this is for next school year, but that they should check it out. See if they get excited as well. Share the books and videos that you find exciting and discuss how you might implement them next school year. While some teachers may want to start implementing things sooner (and that's okay), make it clear the official launch won't be until the Fall.
South Bay Christian School prepares to launch a new school year.
Step 2: Practice (Pre-week)
Step 2: Practice (Pre-week)
Consider if the cost of a staff training session is feasible for your school. If not, find an inexpensive or free online training or webinar that the staff can do together. Follow up the training with a group discussion and ideas for practical incorporation at your school.
Don't try to do it all at once. Spread it over a few sessions to allow teachers to process without getting overwhelmed. Find something each teacher is comfortable with doing, and make it clear that continuous check-ins, coaching, and training will take place throughout the year. Ideally, teachers will be excited about the additional training, and it will give you a chance to measure how much your teachers are "buying-in" to the new program.
Decide on the metrics to measure progress at your school, such as disciplinary issues or academic engagement. Consider MAP Testing results or percentage of completed assignments to help measure academic growth. There are a variety of assessments to measure SEL growth. Some are free and some cost money, so pick the best option for you. (Links to free and paid assessments are included below in References). While growth and process won't be immediately evident, it's essential to know what you will consider a success, and then track those metrics. Measure before launching a new program, and then follow up quarterly or annually.
Step 3: Progress (Throughout the year)
Step 3: Progress (Throughout the year)
A major contributing factor to a successful launch is helping teachers feel supported and adequately prepared. Make SEL check-in a part of your regular staff meetings. Discuss what's working and what's not. Let teachers talk about their successes and struggles. Stay fluid in your implementation plans as things develop. Add new elements as needed. Continue professional development on an individual or collective basis.
Lastly, find ways to celebrate your accomplishments and milestones.
Be agile.
references
references
Wanless, S., Patton, C., Rimm-Kaufman, S., & Deutsch, N. (n.d.) Influences on Implementation of the Responsive Classroom Approach. Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Influences_Implementation_RC_Approach.pdf
Summary: According to a study from the University of Virginia, teachers reported that a supportive administration and proper training are the most significant contributors to participating in a new SEL programming (Responsive Classroom)
Baroody, A., Rimm-Kaufman, S., Larsen, R., & Curby, T. (2014). The link between Responsive Classroom training and student-teacher relationship quality in the fifth grade: A study of fidelity of implementation, School Psychology Review, 43(1), 69-85 https://doi.org/10.1080/02796015.2014.12087455
Summary: Increased training increased use of program, indirectly improving closeness between teachers and students
Assessment Tools
Assessment Tools
Measuring SEL, Using Data to Inspire Practice
participate
participate
Interested in participating in a future study of SEL Implementation in Adventist classrooms?
Contact a.escalante@lasierra.edu to get more information on the project.
Progress "web2.0 and agile workflows" by Keith Chu is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
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