Assessing social and emotional learning in schools: a scoping review of whole-school SEL assessment
Pastoral Care in Education, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/02643944.2026.2710983
- Journal Name: Pastoral Care in Education
- Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, ATLA Religion Database, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Public Affairs Index, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Keywords: assessment framework, evaluation of school-based interventions, implementation monitoring, review, Social and emotional learning
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools continues to grow, especially in respect to whole-school approaches. However, ambiguities persist regarding what constitutes a whole-school approach and how this might be assessed. A scoping review was carried out to identify key concepts in whole-school SEL evaluation and assessment. Searches of Web of Science, PsycINFO, Google, and Google Scholar (2015–2025) identified 14 relevant sources. Five key areas of whole-school SEL activity were found, organised by level of implementation (student, class, school, leadership, community). Little to no validated assessment methods for monitoring whole-school activity were identified, indicating a significant research gap. Implications and recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.