Building upon CASEL’s 2005 Safe and Sound Guide, the 2013 CASEL Guide considers advances in social and emotional learning (SEL) research and practice to offer a more selective framework for evaluating and rating SEL programs, these aimed at preschool and elementary school students. Using this framework, the 2013 Guide provides objective narrative descriptions for 23 “CASEL SELect” programs. These “CASEL SELect” are well-designed, evidence-based programs that engage a variety of approaches for promoting social and emotional development in preschool and/or elementary classrooms. The 2013 Guide also includes best-practice guidelines for selecting and implementing SEL programs. Program characteristics that CASEL considers important in the selection of programs are presented in an easy-to-read format that includes targeted grade range, the provision of opportunities for students to practice SEL skills, the people and settings involved in the implementation of the program, implementation support available, and evidence of effectiveness from evaluation studies. The 2015 CASEL Guide provides an evaluation of SEL programs for middle and high school youth.

Citation: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (2012). 2013 CASEL guide: Effective social and emotional learning programs—Preschool and elementary school edition. Chicago, IL: Author.