Second Step® Out-of-School Time Review of Research

High-quality social-emotional learning (SEL) programs—both within and outside of the classroom— have short-term and long-term benefits for children (Durlak et al., 2010; Taylor et al., 2017). School-based SEL programming has been linked to positive social behavior, academic success, fewer conduct problems, less emotional distress, and less drug use (Taylor et al., 2017). SEL programming in out-of-school-time (OST) settings is related to children’s improved self-perceptions; increased school bonding; improved social behaviors, grades, and school attendance rates; and fewer problem behaviors (Durlak et al., 2010).