Understanding Implementation and Effectiveness of Strong Start K-2 on Social-Emotional Behavior

Strong Start K-2 is a social-emotional learning curriculum, designed for use with children in kindergarten through grade 2. The objectives of this study were twofold. First, authors aimed to evaluate the feasibility and quality of Strong Start implementation. Additionally authors examined the effect of Strong Start on first grade students’ perceptions of emotion and teacher ratings of social behavior and affect. Results suggested that Strong Start was implemented with integrity, and that significant increases in student knowledge about emotion situations and significant decreases in student internalizing behaviors were associated with exposure to the program. Limitations of this study as well as directions for future research are discussed.