Melissa DeRosier

The purpose of this project is to develop and test Emotion Explorer, adigital social emotional learning (SEL) intervention for kindergarten through second grade (K-2). Emotion Explorer will include digital, self-paced, and personalized student components (e.g., interactive e-books) blended with teacher-led discussions. Educators are increasingly aware that later academic success stems from a strong foundation of SEL skills in the early grades. Targeting SEL efforts at K-2 grades can be parti...

A growing body of research underscores the need to prepare students socially-as much as academically-to ensure a successful transition to middle school and foster subsequent academic success. Recognition of how social and academic functioning are intertwined has led to the inclusion of social goals in many Individualized Education Plans, Student Support Team strategies, and overall school improvement plans. However, student outcomes are often more modest than desired when social intervention...

Elementary school is a time of growth and development in students' social skills and peer relations. Prior research shows that students who are able to establish and maintain positive peer relations are more successful in school (including higher levels of achievement) and better able to cope with stressful life events. In contrast, students who have difficulty navigating the socio-developmental shifts of elementary school are substantially more likely to experience academic failure, behavio...