1. PATHS to Success: Lessons from implementing and evaluating a social and emotional learning programme in primary schools Nick Axford PhD The Social Research Unit at Dartington

2. PATHS Universal school-based programme for 4-11s Focuses on 5 topics: self-control, emotional understanding, positive self-esteem, relationships, and interpersonal problem- solving skills 2/3 times a week + generalisation Scripts to facilitate instruction + flexibility Encourages parent involvement

3. Evaluations 10+ studies, from 79 children to over 5,000 8 randomised controlled trials Some include children with special needs Mostly 5-11s but some with slightly younger Most from US but now also England, Northern Ireland and Switzerland Measures of emotion recognition, behaviour and problem-solving Observation and reports by teachers, parents, children

4. Summary of results Lower rate of conduct problems and aggression Lower anxiety/depression and anger Improved social problem solving, emotional understanding, and self-control Better understanding of cues for recognising feelings in others Higher scores on peer socialibility and social school functioning Better ability to resolve peer conflicts, identify feelings, identify problems, and greater empathy for others Reduction in ADHD symptoms Better scores on measures of authority acceptance, cognitive concentration, and social competence

5. Postscript The Birmingham trial showed promising results after 1 year but no overall effect after 2 years. Why? (1) Context / competing programmes? (2) Fidelity? (3) Longer-term effects not yet visible? (4) Reliance on teacher report?

6. www.dartington.org.uk www.preventionaction.org