Trends in Student Social-Emotional Learning: Evidence From the First Large-Scale Panel Student Survey

This report presents findings from the first large-scale, longitudinal survey of students’ social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes in U.S. public schools. Conducted by West et al. (2020), the study tracks trends in key SEL competencies—such as growth mindset, self-efficacy, self-management, and social awareness—across grades 4 through 12. Using data from over 400,000 students, the authors analyze how these competencies vary by student demographics, grade level, and school characteristics, and how they relate to academic achievement and attendance. The study highlights declines in SEL skills during middle school years and widening gaps across socioeconomic and racial groups, underscoring the need for schools to implement evidence-based SEL supports that evolve alongside students’ developmental and contextual needs.