Positive, Engaged, Achieving Kids (PEAK) Effectiveness of the Social Skill Improvement System Classwide Intervention Program (SSIS-CIP) in the Primary Grades

Institute of Education Sciences
Award Number: R305A170047
Administered in: College of Education

Abstract:

The purpose of the PEAK Project is to test the effectiveness of the Social Skills Improvement System – Social Emotional Learning Edition – Classwide Intervention Program (SSIS SEL CIP) in helping all students in early elementary school develop the social skills and behaviors that teachers have identified as critical to classroom success. This project builds on theory and correlational research which suggest that the presence of social skills, rather than the absence of disruptive behavior alone, supports long-term positive effects on academic performance. A previous IES-funded efficacy trial provided support for this idea with evidence that an earlier version of the intervention program (SSIS-CIP) improved first and second grade students’ prosocial skills (e.g., cooperation, responsibility, empathy) and academic motivation and engagement compared to students in a no-treatment control group. PEAK builds on this efficacy study by conducting an independent evaluation of the SSIS SEL CIP’s effectiveness when implemented under routine classroom conditions by teachers in schools interested in adopting universal classroom programs to promote positive social behaviors. To carry out this independent evaluation, the PEAK researchers will use a multi-site cluster randomized trial to determine whether the SSIS SEL CIP program (1) improves first and second grade students’ classroom social behavior, (2) increase their motivation and engagement during classroom instruction, and (3) enhances their learning of fundamental academic skills when implemented under routine conditions. The research team will also explore practical implementation considerations, such as timing of implementation (first or second grade) and acceptability of this program to teachers and students. They will also conduct a basic cost analysis to identify the resources necessary for routine implementation of the SSIS SEL CIP at these grade levels.