Social and Emotional Learning in Elementary School Children by

Social and Emotional Learning in Elementary School Children

by Jana Kastanek A Research Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Master of Science Degree

in Education

Approved: 2 Semester Credits

_________________________ Dr. James Lehmann

The Graduate School University of Wisconsin-Stout

February, 2011

The Graduate School University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI

Author:

Kastanek, Jana

Title:

Social and Emotional Learning in Elementary School Children

Graduate Degree/ Major: MS Education

Research Adviser: James Lehmann, PhD

Month/Year: February, 2011

Number of Pages: 65 Style Manual Used: American Psychological Association, 6th edition

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a need for social and emotional instruction to occur in elementary classrooms. Specifically, the programs of Second Step: A Violence Prevention Program and Responsive Classroom were researched and studies measuring their success in both academic and behavioral areas were examined. In addition, teachers of the Amery School District were surveyed about their experiences regarding a need for such programming, and the effectiveness of the current programs being used in the district. According to the significant research available, there is ample evidence of both academic and

behavioral progress to support the inclusion of social and emotional learning in elementary classrooms. The results of this survey clearly show that the educators in Amery believe that there is a need for social and emotional learning and that such instruction contributes positively to both the learning environment and academic success.

The Graduate School University of Wisconsin Stout

Menomonie, WI

Acknowledgments I would like to thank Dr. Jim Lehmann for his support, patience and valued input he gave to me throughout the writing of this paper. I also would like to thank my three children, Jakob, Mitchell and Laura, my husband, John, and my parents, John and Gayle, for their unending support of my completion of this paper and my master's in education degree. Without all of you, none of this would have been possible and I am truly grateful for all that you have done for me.

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................... Page Abstract ............................................................................................................................................2 Chapter I: Introduction....................................................................................................................7

Statement of the Problem.....................................................................................................8 Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................................9 Assumptions of the Study ....................................................................................................9 Definition of Terms..............................................................................................................9 Limitations of the Study.....................................................................................................10 Methodology ......................................................................................................................10 Chapter II: Literature Review ........................................................................................................12 Social and Emotional Learning..........................................................................................12 A Need for Social and Emotional Education .....................................................................16 Effects of social and Emotional Education ........................................................................18 Conclusion .........................................................................................................................22 Chapter III: Methodology ..............................................................................................................23 Subject Selection and Description .....................................................................................24 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................................25 Data Analysis .....................................................................................................................25 Limitations .........................................................................................................................26 Chapter IV: Results........................................................................................................................28 Item Analysis .................................................................................................................................28

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