An Adapted Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum for Middle School Students with Emotional Disturbances

Author

Jacob HoustonFollow

ORCID

0009-0008-1131-4087

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Curriculum and Instruction (MAE)

First Committee Member

Allison McGrath

Advisor

Allison McGrath

Second Committee Member

Dee Knoblauch

Third Committee Member

Diane Ross

Keywords

SEL, PBIS, CASEL, Emotional Disturbances

Subject Categories

Curriculum and Social Inquiry | Education | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Higher Education

Abstract

This project addresses how an adapted Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, grounded in the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework and aligned with a personalized Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model, can more effectively support the social and emotional learning development of students with Emotional Disturbances (ED). The project culminated in the design of a four-week SEL curriculum unit focused on building relationship skills—one of the five core CASEL competencies. The curriculum is delivered using the SOAR model (Scholarship, Ownership, Awareness, Respect), a personalized PBIS framework that integrates the existing Character Strong SEL program with adapted lesson structures. Key instructional strategies include a structured framework, explicit skill instruction, modeling, and real-world application. This curriculum aims to close the gap in SEL programming for students with ED by providing structured, intensive, and meaningful instruction that promotes positive relationships, emotional well-being, and inclusive school experiences.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Acknowledgement 1

1

Acknowledgement 2

1

Recommended Citation

Houston, Jacob, "An Adapted Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum for Middle School Students with Emotional Disturbances" (2025). Masters Theses/Capstone Projects. 142.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_master/142