A new financial analysis underscores the substantial costs incurred by schools and districts that do not implement comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs. The report, titled "SEL Pays Off: A Financial Analysis of Behavioral Incident Costs in Schools," demonstrates that ignoring proactive SEL interventions results in substantial, often hidden financial burdens.

The analysis highlights specific financial impacts from behavioral incidents, emphasizing measurable costs that directly affect district budgets:

• Office Disciplinary Referrals (ODRs): Each incident costs schools approximately $150–$500 due to administrative time, documentation, lost instructional time, and parent communication.
• In-School Suspensions (ISS): Daily costs range from $250 to $700 for additional supervision and resources.
• Out-of-School Suspensions (OSS): Daily expenses escalate from $300 to over $1,000 based on supervision and alternative education needs.
• Lost Teacher Productivity: Behavioral disruptions cost an estimated $4,000 per teacher annually. For an average elementary school with 35 teachers, this amounts to roughly $140,000 per year diverted from instructional resources.

The report features a case study from Rainbow Ridge Elementary (Val Verde Unified School District), highlighting measurable financial and educational benefits following the implementation of moozoom’s SEL platform:

• 58% decrease in office disciplinary referrals.
• 40% reduction in low-level behavioral incidents.
• Suspension rates reduced to zero, down from two the previous year.
• Estimated annual savings of $15,000–$30,000.

Columbia University research cited in the analysis further strengthens the fiscal argument for SEL, demonstrating that every dollar invested in SEL yields an $11 return due to reduced disciplinary actions, improved student mental health, and enhanced academic outcomes.

"Choosing not to invest in SEL is, quite literally, costing schools money" the report emphasizes.

Additional long-term impacts identified include societal costs, with each high school dropout representing approximately $250,000 in lost productivity and increased reliance on public resources. Effective SEL programs, particularly when integrated with frameworks like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), have proven capable of reducing dropout rates, thus generating substantial long-term savings.

For full details and specific findings from the analysis, access the complete report, "SEL Pays Off: A Financial Analysis of Behavioral Incident Costs in Schools," here.