Brockton Public Schools: districtwide SEL screener shows rising student stress, low self-management scores

Summary

Brockton Public Schools presented districtwide results from a new social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health screener showing that about half of students report moderate to high stress and self-management is the lowest-rated SEL skill. Staff described tiered supports and community partnerships they say will guide interventions.

Brockton Public Schools officials on Tuesday presented results from a districtwide social-emotional learning and mental-health screening program, saying the tool found rising stress among students and persistent gaps in self-management skills.

The district used the 35-question SSIS SEL Brief plus Mental Health screener with students in grades 3–12 in October 2024 and again in April 2025, Director of Social Emotional Learning John Snelgrove told the School Committee. Nearly 7,800 students participated in the fall administration and almost 8,000 in the spring, an average response rate of about 75 percent.

Snelgrove said the screener pairs five CASEL competencies — self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making — with measures of emotional and behavioral concerns so staff can target supports earlier.

“The results are helpful because they give us student voice…

Brockton Public Schools: districtwide SEL screener shows rising student stress, low self-management scores

Summary

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