The Character Effect

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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

The Character Effect, offered by Beech Acres Parenting Center, provides a lesson-based approach to SEL. It includes programming for Pre-K-6 and demonstrated evidence of effectiveness at grades 3-5.

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      • SEL lessons
      • Instructional practices
      • Relationship building
      • Positive classroom management
      • SEL generalization
      • Adult SEL
      • Student supports
      • Family Intervention Component
      • 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Results from a quasi-experimental evaluation conducted in the 2018-2019 academic year (unpublished report written in 2021) supported the effectiveness of The Character Effect for elementary students. This evaluation included 365 students in grades 3-5 in a suburban school district in the U.S. Midwest region (68% white, 11% Hispanic/Latinx; 69% of student body eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (FRPL) at participating schools). This evaluation found that grade 3 through grade 5 students receiving instruction using The Character Effect showed significantly greater growth in district standardized science test scores compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported approximately 39 weeks after baseline, while controlling for outcome pre-test). Additionally, grade 4 and 5 students receiving instruction using The Character Effect program showed significantly greater growth in state standardized mathematics and reading test scores compared to students in the control group (outcomes reported approximately 52 weeks after baseline, while controlling for outcome pre-test and relevant demographic covariates).

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  • Evidence shown in grades
    3, 4, 5
    School characteristics
      • Suburban
      • Midwest
    Student characteristics
    • Hispanic / Latinx
    • White
    • Low income
    Percentage Low Income
    • Eligible for FRPL: 69%
    Study design type
    • QE
    Greater than 350 students included in study design type
    • Yes
    Multiple school districts included at study design type
    • No
    • 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 The Character Effect support SEL implementation across multiple settings?

“The Character Effect™ combines the science of positive psychology, character strengths, and mindfulness into a curriculum that can easily be implemented in every school environment. A dedicated specialist provides program support and coaching for teacher wellness. The program allows the flexibility to customize implementation to meet each school's unique needs and build program sustainability. ”

Get info and pricing on the provider’s website

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References

  • Accepted by CASEL

  • Flaspohler, P., Kerr, A., Meyer, A., Dinnen, H.,& Wargen, K. (2021). The Character Effect evaluation report. Unpublished.
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