Figure 1: Zones of Regulation

Several years ago, teachers in my building were given handouts (Figure 1) and told to teach the Zones of Regulation to students. This year, the new principal announced that we would be using Zones this year. I admit it, I rolled my eyes. So, for this update, I decided to look at the research for the program. I guess I am not surprised that someone thought copying the handouts constituted “doing the program.” There are lessons and materials, besides that handout, that are part of this research-based program. Now I’m curious if we are going to actually have training in this, because I am interested!

I read the abstracts from three studies: kindergarteners, 2nd graders and 4th graders. Studies included a student pre/post survey (Figure 2), teacher surveys, academic and behavioral data. The evidence, according to the authors, tells that in all three cases, there was data that supported benefits from the program students’ ability to self-regulate.

Figure 2: Survey from https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/2457/

I think it is difficult to evaluate SEL programs in general. For example, in figure 2, you are asking a child to rate their ability to get along with classmates before and after a program. This is data, but it is very subjective. Even looking at referral data can be misleading because there are many factors that impact the data, some of which are not always apparent.

Nevertheless, I’m interested in the training for this program. Have you used Zones of Regulation in elementary school? Do you recommend it?