Term
Summer 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAT
Content Expert
Tom Mulroy and Diane Mathieu
Abstract
Elementary schools are seeing an increase in students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs, making it more difficult for teachers to meet the needs of their students. While research shows that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) can improve behavior, academic performance, and overall well-being, many schools still do not have a consistent curriculum to teach these skills. The purpose of this capstone project was to explore how implementing a consistent SEL curriculum in an elementary school setting can improve academic success while supporting the overall well-being of both students and teachers.
To answer this question, I created a project that reviewed current research on SEL and its impact in schools. The literature focused on the foundations of SEL, how it affects academic achievement and student behavior, the importance of implementing SEL consistently across a school, teacher well-being, culturally responsive teaching, and the developmental needs of upper elementary students. Across the research, one theme continued to appear: Students are more successful when they are intentionally taught social and emotional skills just as they are taught reading or math. The research also showed that SEL is most effective when teachers receive support, lessons are consistent across classrooms, and instruction reflects the backgrounds and experiences of students.
This project created a SEL curriculum designed specifically for fifth-grade students. The curriculum includes lessons that are easy for teachers to use and flexible enough to fit into the school day. Each lesson focuses on at least one of the five core SEL skills while giving students opportunities to discuss, practice, and apply what they have learned. The curriculum was designed to provide consistency while still allowing teachers to adapt lessons to meet the needs of their students.
This project shows that a consistent SEL curriculum has the potential to improve both academic learning and students' social and emotional growth. It also highlights the importance of supporting teachers by giving them resources they can use in their classrooms.
Project Type
Curriculum
Keywords
Assessment, Classroom Management, Curriculum, Teachers/ Teaching
Recommended Citation
Rydel, Joseph, "How can Implementing a Consistent Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum in an Elementary School Setting Promote Academic Success and Help the Overall Well-Being of our Teachers and Students?" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1196.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1196
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects