Summary
Peace Learning Circles, offered by the Peace Learning Center, provides a teaching practices approach to SEL. It includes programming for grades K-12 and demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at grades 3 and 4. Translated materials for Peace Learning Circles 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)
Elementary (K-5), Middle (6-8), High School (9-12)
Setting
Classroom, Schoolwide, Home
Language
English, Spanish, Additional Languages
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, 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 conducted in the 1996-1997 academic year (published in 2000) supported the effectiveness of Peace Learning Circles for elementary school students. This evaluation included 132 grade 3 students enrolled in urban schools in the U.S. Midwest (63% white, 30% Black/African American; 33% free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL)). This evaluation found that students who participated in the program demonstrated improved standardized reading test scores and teacher-reported positive social classroom behaviors compared to students in the comparison group (outcomes reported approximately seven months after baseline while controlled for outcome pretest).
Results from a randomized controlled trial conducted in the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 academic years (report written in 2011) supported the effectiveness of Peace Learning Circles for elementary school students. This evaluation included 1,395 grade 3 and 4 students enrolled in urban schools in the U.S. West region (24% Latinx, 17% Asian/Asian American, 17% white, 17% Black/African American; 54% FRPL). This evaluation found that classrooms participating in the program demonstrated improved observer-reported classroom climate compared to classrooms in the comparison group (outcomes reported approximately two months after baseline while controlled for pre-test and a host of relevant demographics).
Published Studies
Refer to the provided CASEL for the most up-to-date published studies.
Hanson, T., Izu, J.A., Petrosino, A., Delong-Cotty, B, & Zheng, H (2011). A Randomized Experimental Evaluation of the Tribes Learning Communities Prevention Program (Document number 237958). Washington, DC: Office of National Criminal Justice Reference Service, U.S. Department of Justice.
Kiger, D. (2000). The Tribes Process Tlc: A Preliminary Evaluation of Classroom Implementation & Impact on Student Achievement. Education 3-13, 120, 586-592.