WITHDRAWN: Integrating Social Emotional Learning with Physical Activity: Findings from a School-Wide Evaluation Study

Supporting the emotional, social, and physical well-being of youth is crucial in fostering their ability to learn. Yet, the availability of interventions integrating all of these aspects of health is lacking. In an effort to promote healthy development and prevent psychopathology, we are testing the effectiveness of a social-emotional learning (SEL) program using a school-based health education approach. The School Connection Study will be determining the effectiveness of a SEL program designed to help children connect social-emotional health with physical health, and integrating the importance of school connectedness on all levels of the school environment (i.e., student, teachers, school administrators). This approach has the potential to a) serve a large number of youth; b) be integrated into existing curricula; and c) engage and support teachers and school staff as well. The role of schools remains critical to this process, particularly as youth spend the majority of their waking hours in the school environment.

The SCS aims to evaluate the effectiveness of NaliniKIDS, a social-emotional skills and positive social behaviors among a diverse sample of K-5 elementary school students in New York City. Child outcomes (i.e., internalizing and externalizing behaviors) will be assessed using self, parent, and teacher reported; the impact of the program on school climate will be measured. And student and teacher expectations for and experiences with the NaliniKIDS program will also be assessed. Lastly, the feasibility of implementing this program will also be evaluated via both teacher self-report indicators and classroom observations.