Be CALM for Early College High Schools

Students in advanced academic programming, such as that provided in Early College High Schools (ECHSs), may experience stress that interferes with their academic success. Although ECHSs provide many supports to students, there is a need for additional programming to support students' social-emotional development and stress resilience. This study involves further developing, refining, implementing, and testing a multi-tiered adaptation of Be CALM (Cool, Attentive, Logical, and Mature), a mindfulness-based SEL program that aims to enhance staff and student wellbeing and SEL competencies. Mindfulness is a practice of Pressing the Pause on purpose and Tuning In to the present moment with a curious and kind attitude that has been shown to benefit social and emotional wellbeing in students. We expect that knowledge gained from this study will be used to advance understanding of how mindfulness may be helpful to ECHS students, teachers, and counselors.