Summary
Heartfulness Program for Schools, offered by the Heartfulness Institute, provides a lesson-based approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades K-12 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at grades 7 and 8. Translated materials for Heartfulness Program for Schools are available in Spanish, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Strategies supporting educational equity (CASEL)
Not available at this time.
Implementation
Below are key implementation details for this program. These specifications help determine if the program is a good fit for your school or organization.
Grade(s)
Elementary (K-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
Setting
Classroom, Schoolwide, Home
Language
English, Spanish, Additional Languages
Cost
No cost
# Lessons
Elemenary and Middle: 7; High School: 15
Program Design
Tier 1 (Universal)
Technology Requirements
None Required
Staffing Requirements
Classes are conducted by trained and certified instructors
Professional Development
Onsite, Virtual, Train the Trainer
Outcomes
Improved SEL skills and attitudes
Reduced Emotional Distress
Improved Identity Development/ Agency
Improved Academic Performance
Reduced Problem Behavior
Improved School Climate
Improved School Connectedness
Improved Prosocial Behavior
Improved Teaching Practices
Improved SEL Skills and Attitude
Evidence of Effectiveness
Results from a quasi-experimental study conducted in the 2017-2018 school year (published in 2019) supported the effectiveness of the Heartfulness Program for middle school students. This evaluation included 112 students who were in grades 7 and 8 (33% Black/African American, 43% white, 12% Asian/Asian American, 12% Latinx) in a Midwestern school. The evaluation found that students who participated in the program self-reported significantly lower perceived stress and significantly higher mental well-being than students who were in the control group (outcomes reported 13 weeks after baseline while controlling for outcome pretest).
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
Iyer, R.B., & Iyer, B.N. (2019) The Impact of Heartfulness-based Elective on Middle School Students. American Journal of Health Behavior, 43(4), 812-823.