Social and Emotional Learning Implementation with Latinx Learners 

GEAR UP students, educators, and administrators from 14 middle schools in Texas’ Region One Education Service Center (ESC), participated in a project with ACT to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ learning. Students took the Mosaic™ by ACT®: Social Emotional Learning assessment and data showed they reacted positively and had perceived learning gains. Dr. Alex Casillas, a principal research psychologist at ACT, says, “We undertook this study because we know from previous research that social and emotional skills are critical to academic success, yet there is not enough research with a Latinx student focus, particularly those from low-income communities, and/or who would be the first generation in their families to attend college. These students need additional supports because they often face significant barriers to college entry and degree attainment.” Read more here.