Empowering Success: Elevating Student Achievement and Well-Being with SEL Interventions

Dr. Christina Ravelo • Cahn Fellow 2022

The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” is a familiar and oft-repeated cliché, but it carries significant importance and relevance when it comes to understanding the impact of community on a child’s education. While the phrase may have become somewhat overused, its essence remains important and worth considering. Literature on parental involvement shows that teachers are the key agents in the promotion of parental involvement and student achievement (Lewis, et al., 2011). Through our action research project, the goal will be to answer the following question: In what ways does the implementation of an identified school team focusing on positive behavior interventions, consisting of administration, counselor, student support services representatives, media specialist, and Professional Learning Support Team members impact student achievement and well-being?

This research will explore the positive outcomes achievable through the implementation of effective behavior interventions using Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies. Our primary aim is to address the individual needs of the child, promote the overall well-being, to enhance student achievement. We will specifically target students who have received excessive referrals related to behavior and those who have been identified by their teachers as displaying challenging behaviors. Throughout the duration of this action research, we will diligently implement behavior interventions and protocols with fidelity. Our ultimate objective is to foster a positive student culture and promote well-being to significantly impact student achievement and overall educational outcomes. Through this research, we aim to contribute to the enhancement of student well-being and increase academic success.