keepin it REAL

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Designated
Promising
Indicates that a program demonstrates evidence of effectiveness at improving student or teacher outcomes, as well as supporting students’ social and emotional growth through at least two competencies. May offer multi-year programming. For a full list of Promising student outcomes see Promising designation.
Program description

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.

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      • SEL lessons
      • Instructional practices
      • SEL generalization
      • Activities and Resources for Home
    • Onsite in-person training
    • Virtual training
    • Offsite training
    • Train the trainer model
    • Administrator support
    • Coaching
    • Technical assistance
    • Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
    • Online resource library
    • Self-report tools for monitoring implementation
    • Observational tools
    • Tools for measuring student success

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 (Hispanic/Latinx = 76%, white = 24%, Black/African American = 12%, Native American = 11%) in the US 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 2, 8, 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 US Southwest with a sample of 1,670 Latinx students in grades 7 and 8 in the US Southwest (100% Mexican American; 93% 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)

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  • Evidence shown in grades
    7, 8
    School characteristics
      • Urban
      • Suburban
      • Southwest
    Student characteristics
    • Black / African American
    • Hispanic / Latinx
    • Indigenous
    • White
    • Low income
    Percentage Low Income
    • Eligible for FRPL: 93%
    Study design type
    • RCT
    Greater than 350 students included in study design type
    • Yes
    Multiple school districts included at study design type
    • Yes
    • Improved academic performance
    • Reduced emotional distress
    • Improved identity development and agency
    • Reduced problem behaviors
    • Improved school climate
    • Improved school connectedness
    • Improved social behaviors
    • Improved teaching practices
    • Improved other SEL skills and attitudes

How does keepin it REAL support SEL implementation across multiple settings?

“Keepin' it REAL helps middle school youth understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. REAL remote supports implementation for youth learning from home, including a "REAL parenting talk" app that supports learning at home.”

Get info and pricing on the provider’s website

Go to Provider Site
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