Social Decision Making/Social Problem Solving is a lesson-based SEL program from Rutgers University designed to support students through explicit instruction of skills relevant to make healthy choices, such as:
Self-control (listening, avoiding provocations)
Self-monitoring
How to select friends
How to show caring
Included in the program is an eight-step "clear thinking" strategy to help in social problem situations, as well as applications to academic and "real life" problems to help students understand these skills across contexts. The program also supports relevant adults, such as educators and caregivers, in understanding how to support the development of these skills in students.
According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), two quasi-experimental studies with students in grades 4-5 found improved academic performance, increased positive social behavior, reduced conduct problems, and reduced emotional distress.
Tier 1, Grades K-8, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)