Project Flourish exists to identify and eliminate inequity, racism, and other exclusionary practices in SEL research, programming, and policy.
Project Flourish is a collaborative effort between Yale University, Trajectory of Hope, and The Urban Assembly
Transforming communities.
Well implemented social-emotional learning (SEL) programs in schools have lasting positive outcomes for students, both in and out of the classroom. As a result, interest and investment in universal school-based (USB) SEL programs — including the tools used to measure their efficacy — have increased significantly over the last 20 years.
However, historically, marginalized students have not benefited equally from SEL programs and assessments due to their design and implementation. In fact, in some cases, SEL practices and policies have ultimately contributed to inequitable and punitive educational practices for minoritized youth.
Project Objectives
Understand SEL Assessment Tools and Their Implementation
Understanding how discrete school-based SEL assessments work independently and in concert with each other when implemented by school support organizations to identify and dismantle student outcome disparities, systemic biases, and/or exclusionary practices.
Refine SEL Tools to Support the Urban Assembly and Trajectory of Hope
Exploring how discrete SEL assessment tools support both Urban Assembly and Trajectory of Hope best practices helps determine what adaptations or refinements are necessary to deliver a fully accessible, scientifically rigorous, and useful suite of digital SEL assessments.
Develop a Policy Model for SEL Leaders
Developing a proof of concept for SEL tool integration into data-systems native to schools provides a model that organizations like Urban Assembly and Trajectory of Hope can use to make more impactful policy statements regarding the resources, services, and staffing necessary to leverage SEL tools and incorporate data into decision-making.