Summary
Open Circle, offered by the Wellesley Center for Women, provides a lesson-based approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades K-5 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at grade 4. The first “Home Link” letter to families and all vocabulary terms are translated into eight different languages (Chinese, Cape Verde Creole, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Somali, Portuguese, Vietnamese). All other family letters and mini skill posters are translated into Spanish.
Strategies supporting educational equity (CASEL)
Open Circle provides strategies for working with bias and customizing for context. This includes guidance throughout the teacher manuals for adjusting lessons to meet the needs of students. Additionally, there is a section during training called “Dimensions of Difference and Similarity,” that speaks directly to educators and administrators considering their multiple identities and how those identities impact their work with students and families.
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)
Setting
Classroom, Schoolwide, Home
Language
English, Spanish, Additional Languages
Cost
Pricing available through provider
# Lessons
34+
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, 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 2007 supported the effectiveness of Open Circle for elementary school students. This evaluation included 154 students in grade 4 in urban and suburban schools (69% white, 17% Black/African American, 10% Latinx). This evaluation found that students who participated in the program showed significantly greater teacher-reported improvements in both social skills and problem behaviors (e.g., externalizing problems, internalizing problems, hyperactivity) than students in the control group (outcomes reported nine months after baseline). These findings were especially true for students attending urban schools.
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
Hennessey, B. A. (2007). Promoting social competence in school-aged children: The effects of the open circle program. Journal of School Psychology, 45(3), 349-360.