Project EXSEL Administrators Office

How is Project EXSEL evaluated? How do we know if students have changed in the long run? top
Part of the grant for Project EXSEL goes toward the evaluation of the project. Project EXSEL has hired an outside evaluation team, Metis Associates, to come up with evaluation and research tools to assess the program. Metis does an evaluation twice a year, at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year. They have created measurement tools to evaluate students learning and change in behavior. Metis also evaluates the counselor and teacher training as well as the parent workshops. Principals have told us that they have noticed a change in school climate and changes in the way students interact with one another after receiving Project EXSEL.

Are there standards for Project EXSEL? If yes, what are they? top
Project EXSEL is based on the National School Counseling Standards.

What were the steps taken to launch Project EXSEL? top
First, we chose the schools within District 2 to pilot the program in. We wanted the pilot schools to be in different areas of New York City with different ethnic and socioeconomic populations. We also wanted to pilot Project EXSEL in schools with varying degrees of academic achievement according to the city ranking.

How is Project EXSEL different from Character Education programs? top
Project EXSEL is based upon the framework of social and emotional learning (SEL) and emotional intelligence (EI). The program works to teach children skills from within the five competencies: self-awareness, regulation of emotion, empathy and perspective taking, monitoring and performance, and social skills in handling relationships. Character Education programs promote core ethical values as the basis of good character. Social and emotional learning is more developmental in nature.

How does Project EXSEL fit into the overall school goals? top
Project EXSEL is aligned with the overall school goal to help students achieve academic improvement in the best learning environment possible. Social and emotional development and the consequent development of an improved school climate have been directly linked to improved academic performance and reduced violence.

What are the benefits of having Project EXSEL in school? top
Project EXSEL is an organized and comprehensive way to introduce SEL to the school using the school curriculum that is already in place. Additionally, Project EXSEL lessons help students to build the skills needed to become more aware of themselves and others, to regulate and manage their emotions, to make decisions, to resolve conflicts, and to handle relationships.

What is an administrator's role in Project EXSEL? top
Administrators should model strong social and emotional skills in the way they work with the staff and students. They should also make social and emotional learning and learning for life an important part of the school community.