Research shows that SEL not only improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points, but it also increases prosocial behaviors (such as kindness, sharing, and empathy), improves student attitudes toward school, and reduces depression and stress among students (Durlak et al., 2011).

Based on the research The Pendleton County Champions Coalition/ Extension Office used an evidence based program to build Pendleton County Elementary teachers and staff skills on implementing social emotional learning tools and techniques which is a protective factor for youth alcohol use. Teachers and staff attended both trainings, were provided an accompanying book, and modified their classrooms, providing before and after photos.

We also provided a second training on Choose Love Movement. 76 teachers/staff trained. 3 hrs. apprx.

Evidenced-based training on how to apply their previous training to their classroom and their teaching. Which also provided them Professional Development credit. 

Each teacher and staff was given $1,000 per classroom to use the information and skills they gained from the courses to implement in their classroom and curriculum. A total of $68,000 was used to enhance classrooms.  Each teacher also received a $32 dollar curricula to use in classroom. 

While COVID as limited in classroom learning, teacher understand promoting social and emotional development for all students in classrooms involves teaching and modeling social and emotional skills, providing opportunities for students to practice and hone those skills, and giving students an opportunity to apply these skills in various situations.  They are using their training to provide these to our student even in a virtual environment.