Two major scientific studies found that Morningside Center’s school-based programs have a positive impact on students’ well-being and behavior, their academic performance, and the classroom climate. Two additional scientific studies are currently underway.
Morningside Center's 4Rs Program and our Resolving Conflict Creatively Program both received top ratings from the Collaborative for Academic, Social & Emotional Learning in its CASEL Program Guide.
Completed studies
The 4Rs Program (Reading, Writing, Respect & Resolution). In a randomized control-group study, researchers from New York University, Fordham University, and Columbia University tracked the development of students in nine New York City elementary schools that implemented The 4Rs Program compared with children in nine control schools over three years. Students in the 4Rs schools were less aggressive, less hyperactive, and saw their social world as less hostile than their peers in non-4Rs schools. They were happier and more likely to resolve interpersonal problems competently.
Students judged to be at greatest behavioral risk by their teachers had better attendance than their counterparts in the control schools and made better academic progress as rated by teachers. They also did better on standardized tests. In addition, independent observers found significantly higher levels of overall classroom quality in 4Rs schools. Find out more.
Resolving Conflict Creatively Program. Researchers at Columbia University tracked over two years the development of students at 15 New York City public elementary schools that were implementing the RCCP. Children receiving substantial RCCP instruction saw their social world in a less hostile way, were more likely to choose nonviolent approaches for resolving conflicts, and did better academically, as measured by standardized tests.
Researchers concluded that they found “compelling evidence” that the program “reduces aggression and violence in children and youth and enhances their classroom learning. This independent evaluation of the program shows it is relatively low in cost and not purchased at the expense of academic achievement.” Find out more.
Current Research
Whole School Restorative Practices. Morningside Center, in collaboration with researchers, was awarded a federal Investing in Innovation (i3) grant to increase equity in schools through a novel combination of SEL, restorative practices, and courageous conversations about race. Through this four-year grant, generously matched by the Einhorn Family Charitable Trust, we are developing and testing approaches that aim to reduce disparities in discipline and elevate all students.
4Rs + My Teaching Partner. We have partnered with leading researchers on a federal Goal 3 research program to examine the impact of our 4Rs Program combined with a powerful teacher coaching process developed by the University of Virginia called My Teaching Partner. The study will measure the impact of the program on 33 Bronx elementary schools compared to 33 control schools. Find out more.