Summary
Keepin’ it REAL, offered by REAL Prevention, provides a lesson-based approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades 6-8 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at grades 7-8. Translated materials for Keepin’ it REAL are available in Spanish and French.
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)
Setting
Classroom, Home
Language
English, Spanish, Additional Languages
Cost
Pricing available through provider
# Lessons
5 e-learning; 4 in-person; 1 50-min presentation
Program Design
Tier 1 (Universal)
Technology Requirements
Unspecified
Staffing Requirements
Unspecified
Professional Development
Onsite in-person, 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 evaluation (published in 2006) supported the effectiveness of the Keepin’ it REAL program for middle school students. This evaluation was conducted in the 1999-2000 school year with a sample of 6,298 students in grade 7 (76% Hispanic/Latinx, 24% white, 12% Black/African American, 11% Native American) in the U.S. Southwest. It found that students who participated in the program self-reported lower substance use, especially alcohol and marijuana use, compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported two, eight, and 14 months after baseline while controlling for outcome pretest).
Results from a randomized controlled trial evaluation conducted over the 2006- 2007 and 2007-2008 academic years (published in 2010) supported the program’s effectiveness for middle school students. This study was conducted in multiple urban and suburban districts in the U.S. Southwest with a sample of 1,670 Latinx students in grades 7 and 8 in the U.S. Southwest (100% Mexican American; 93% free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL) eligible). It found that students who participated in the program self-reported lower cigarette, marijuana, and inhalant use behaviors compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported the following school year while controlling for outcome pretest).
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
Hecht, M. L., Graham, J. W., & Elek, E. (2006). The Drug Resistance Strategies Intervention: Program Effects on Substance Use. Health Communication, 20(3), 267–276.
Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S., Yabiku, S. T., Nieri, T. A., & Coleman, E. (2011). When to intervene: elementary school, middle school or both? Effects of keepin’ it REAL on substance use trajectories of Mexican heritage youth. Prevention science : the official journal of the Society for Prevention Research, 12(1), 48–62.