PeerLearning.net provides a teaching practices approach to SEL and offers programming for grades 4-12. Two CASEL-approved evaluations demonstrate evidence of effectiveness in grades 6, 9-10 and 6, 8, 9, respectively. PeerLearning.net is a piece of software designed to support teachers with integrating principles of cooperative learning into their lessons. A student-facing interface guides groups of learners through lessons via a series of task, discussion, and reflection prompts. The online interface can be presented in English, Spanish, and Italian.
Strategies supporting educational equity
PeerLearning.net features strategies for youth action projects. The pedagogical model that the PeerLearning.net software fosters is rooted in student-centered group learning wherein students rotate through roles that promote practice with investigative research, leadership, and collaborative problem-solving.
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- Instructional practices
- SEL generalization
- Student voice
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- Peer mentoring
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- Onsite in-person training
- Virtual training
- Offsite training
- Train the trainer model
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- 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 randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted in the 2021-22 academic year (published in 2023) supported the effectiveness of PeerLearning.net for public school students. This evaluation included 720 students in grades 6, 9, and 10 in urban, suburban, and rural schools in the U.S. West region (70.7% white, 18% Hispanic/Latinx; >95% free or reduced-price lunch). The study found that students who participated in the program had significantly higher improvements in prosocial behavior, supportive peer relations, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and decision making compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported 24 weeks after baseline) while controlling for outcome pretest, sex, grade level, and race/ethnicity.
Results from an RCT conducted in the 2021-22 academic year (published in 2024) supported the effectiveness of PeerLearning.net for public school students. This evaluation included 720 students in 6th, 8th, and 9th grade attending urban, suburban, and rural schools in the U.S. West region (70.7% white, 18% Hispanic/Latinx). The study found that students who participated in the program had higher positive peer relations, lower levels of victimization, and fewer emotional problems compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported 24 weeks after baseline) while controlling for outcome pretest, sex, grade level, and race/ethnicity.
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Evidence shown in grades 6, 8, 9, 10School characteristics -
- Rural
- Urban
- Suburban
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- West
Student characteristics - Hispanic / Latinx
- White
Percentage Low Income - Not Specified
Study design type - RCT
Greater than 350 students included in study design type - Yes
Multiple school districts included at study design type - Yes
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- 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 PeerLearning.net support SEL implementation across multiple settings?
“PeerLearning.net enables teachers to deliver evidence-based small-group lessons on any topic throughout the school day with less time and effort. These small-group lessons build SEL skills experientially and foster positive peer relations and mental health as students teach and learn from one another. Using PeerLearning.net also reduces stress and burnout and promotes mental health among teachers.”
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