PBL Works

Category: Social Emotional Learning

Summary

PBLWorks, offered by The Buck Institute for Education, provides a teaching practices approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades 6-12 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at grade 12.

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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)

Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)

Setting

Classroom, Schoolwide, Home, Community

Language

English

Cost

Pricing available through provider

# Lessons

For additional information please contact the provider

Program Design

Tier 1 (Universal)

Technology Requirements

For additional information please contact the provider

Staffing Requirements

For additional information please contact the provider

Professional Development

Onsite in-person, Virtual, Offsite

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 of a randomized controlled trial evaluation conducted in the 2007-2008 academic year (published in 2010) supported the effectiveness of PBLWorks or high school students. The evaluation included 3,752 grade 12 students (41% Latinx, 37% white; 40% of students at school eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL)). The evaluation found that students who received the program had significant increases in self-reported academic self-efficacy, as well as higher economic literacy test scores compared to control group students (outcomes reported 17 weeks after baseline while controlling for outcome pre-test).

Published Studies

Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.

Finkelstein, N., Hanson, T., Huang, C.-W., Hirschman, B., & Huang, M. (2010). Effects of Problem Based Economics on high school economics instruction. (NCEE 2010-4002). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.