Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2024
Abstract
Trauma and social-emotional learning are important issues in today’s educational institutions. This study looked at the impact that childhood trauma and social-emotional learning have on academic achievement so that students who have experienced trauma will benefit. The following research question was explored: What impact does social-emotional learning instruction have on academic achievement? Thirty-two fourth-grade students in two classrooms in one school district in rural Northeast Iowa participated in this study. FAST reading, math, and mySAEBRS data from prior to the implementation of a schoolwide SEL curriculum were compared to data from the same assessments after the SEL curriculum was implemented. The results of this study showed that overall behavior, social behavior, academic behavior, and math were positively impacted by the implementation of the SEL curriculum. However, reading and emotional behavior were not positively impacted. While not all areas looked at in this study were positively impacted by the implementation of SEL, there was no indication that SEL negatively impacted students in any major way.