ERIC Number: EJ1395848
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0279-6015
EISSN: EISSN-2372-966X
Adapting Social Emotional Learning Curricula for an Urban Context via Focus Groups: Process and Outcomes
Kurtz, Kathryn Doherty; Pearrow, Melissa; Battal, Jill Snyder; Collier-Meek, Melissa A.; Cohen, Jillian Archer; Walker, Whitney
School Psychology Review, v52 n5 p548-562 2023
Although internalizing problems are of particular concern in under-resourced urban schools, interventions are often not culturally relevant for this student population. The current study explored a process of seeking stakeholder input through focus groups to inform the cultural adaptation of Merrell's Strong Kids curricula, an intervention targeting internalizing problems. Focus group feedback revealed themes related to the importance of increasing the relevance of the curricula to better address the community context (addressing anxiety associated with the political climate and capitalizing on community strengths) and better supporting students' needs (building in more communication with caregivers, developing skills stakeholders wanted students to learn, addressing concerns they had about their students' feelings and experiences, and the need for building in strategies to help students generalize and adapt skills across settings). The adapted intervention was then implemented with a sample of 43 elementary student participants. Pre/post differences in screening outcomes suggested large decreases in students' internalizing symptoms. These findings suggest that research-based behavioral health interventions can be adapted to be more responsive to the needs of students in urban schools.
Descriptors: Social Emotional Learning, Curriculum Development, Urban Education, Culturally Relevant Education, Elementary School Students, Intervention, Program Implementation, At Risk Students, Parent Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Instructional Effectiveness
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A