Executive Summary

In the final quarter of the 2022-2023 academic year, Woodford County conducted an eight-week pilot of Everyday Speech’s digital curriculum.

The program demonstrated significant improvements in students’ social-emotional knowledge and prosocial behaviors across all grade levels, making it a promising solution for Tier 1 SEL implementation. This case study outlines the methodology, results, and key findings, offering a compelling narrative for scaling the curriculum district-wide.

Overview

Woodford County schools faced increasing challenges in delivering consistent, effective SEL instruction across classrooms. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive, accessible solution, the district partnered with Everyday Speech to pilot its digital curriculum.

The pilot aimed to evaluate the curriculum’s impact on students’ social-emotional learning and overall behavior, paving the way for informed decision-making on district-wide adoption.

Methodology

The eight-week pilot took place during the final quarter of the 2022-2023 academic year. Everyday Speech provided the curriculum at no cost, and the district implemented it immediately across multiple classrooms.

• Participants: Students from kindergarten through fourth grade.
• Testing Process: Pre-tests were administered at the start of the program to establish a baseline of social-emotional knowledge. These tests were curriculum-aligned and consisted of five targeted questions. Identical post-tests were administered at the end of the program to measure progress.
• Instruction: Lessons were delivered weekly for 10-20 minutes, either by teachers or a special education instructor, showcasing the curriculum’s flexibility.

Results

The pilot demonstrated significant improvements in both social-emotional knowledge and observed prosocial behaviors. Below are the key data points:

Behavioral Observations: Teachers reported noticeable improvements in prosocial behaviors, such as increased cooperation and empathy. These changes were observed consistently across grade levels, underscoring the curriculum’s effectiveness in fostering positive student interactions.

Key Findings

1. Improved Knowledge Retention: Students exhibited significant growth in their understanding of social-emotional concepts, as evidenced by test score gains.
2. Flexibility in Implementation: Positive results were achieved even when lessons were delivered by general or special education teachers, reducing reliance on SEL professionals.
3. Time-Efficient Intervention: Short, weekly lessons (10-20 minutes) effectively enhanced both knowledge and behavior, making the curriculum manageable for busy educators.
4. Scalable Impact: Results suggest that district-wide adoption, paired with fidelity in implementation, could significantly enhance the district’s overall MTSS framework.

Conclusion

Woodford County’s pilot of Everyday Speech’s digital curriculum demonstrated its potential to transform classrooms by improving social-emotional knowledge and fostering positive behaviors. The curriculum’s flexibility, scalability, and effectiveness position it as an ideal solution for Tier 1 SEL implementation.

By adopting Everyday Speech’s curriculum district-wide, Woodford County can ensure consistent, impactful SEL instruction that empowers students to succeed socially and emotionally.