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WGU D181 Task 5 - Capstone Research on Social Emotional Learning
Strategies | Passed on First Attempt |Latest Update with Complete
Solution
Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Michaella Flaherty
A Capstone Presented to the Teachers College Faculty of Western Governors University in
Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction
Paula Westerman
January 25th, 2026
Abstract
In the evolving landscape of education, the integration of Social Emotional Learning
(SEL) strategies into daily classroom activities presents both opportunities and challenges. My
capstone research addresses the pivotal question: How can professional development be crafted
using a survey scale to effectively tackle the difficulties teachers face in implementing SEL
strategies? This action research study involves participants including teachers from diverse grade
levels, administrators, and curriculum specialists. By harnessing insights gained from their
survey feedback, I aim to create a targeted professional development program. Analysis of the
collected data illuminated several critical areas for improvement, highlighting where focused
professional development could bridge existing gaps in SEL implementation. The conclusion
underscores SEL's importance in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment,
essential for both students' academic success and emotional wellbeing. By systematically
addressing the identified needs, this research seeks to empower educators with the tools and
confidence required to seamlessly incorporate SEL strategies into their teaching practices.
, 2
Type of Capstone 4
Chapter 1: Topic and Problem
Research Topic and Relevance with Citations 4
Approved Problem Statement 5
Impact and Root Cause of Problem 6
Approved Research Question 7
Conclusion with Justification 7
Chapter 2: Review of Literature
Literature Review Introduction 8
Body of Literature Review
Teacher Voice in Professional Development 8
Types of Professional Development 10
Conclusion of Literature Review 12
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Approved Research Questions 14
Participants or Stakeholders 14
Data Collection Instruments 15
Research Method 16
Data Analysis Technique 17
Timeline 18
Resources 18
Data Security and Confidentiality 18
Conclusion 19
Chapter 4: Results
Summary of Research 21
Analysis of study Results and Findings 21
Narrative Description: Staff Survey 21
Graphic Representation: Staff Survey 23
Narrative Description: 23
Graphic Description 25
Implementation 26
Research Question 27
Research Product 27
Chapter 5: Conclusions 29
Overview of Conclusion(s) 29
Strengths and Weaknesses 30
Influential Factors 30
Further Investigation 31
Barriers or Limitations 32
, 3
Implication for Educational Practice 32
Appendix A 34
Appendix B 37
Appendix C 39
Appendix D 39
Appendix E 41
Appendix F 42
Appendix G 43
Appendix H 44
Appendix I 45
References 46
References 46
, 4
Type of Capstone
The capstone I am writing focuses on developing a research-based survey intended to create a
professional development opportunity specifically tailored for educators. This initiative is
designed to assist teachers in effectively integrating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into
their classrooms. By systematically gathering data through the survey, we aim to understand
educators' current practices, challenges, and needs related to SEL implementation. The insights
derived will guide the creation of targeted professional development programs, empowering
teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources. This project not only addresses a
crucial aspect of contemporary education but also fosters a supportive learning environment that
benefits both students and educators.
Chapter 1: Topic and Problem
Research Topic and Relevance with Citations
According to one study, the five core social and emotional competencies that SEL seeks
to cultivate are self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and
responsible decision-making (Schiepe-Tiska et al., 2021). My capstone project is highly relevant
to the field of curriculum and instruction as it addresses a critical component of contemporary
education: the integration of social emotional learning (SEL) into everyday classroom practices.
In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the importance of SEL in fostering
well-rounded students who are not only academically proficient but also emotionally intelligent
and socially responsible. By focusing on the creation of a professional development program,
your applied research contributes to this growing field by equipping educators with the tools and
strategies necessary to effectively implement SEL in their classrooms. This ensures that students
receive a holistic education that supports their academic, social, and emotional development.
The relevance of my project also lies in its practical application to real-world educational
settings. Through my applied research, I am not merely exploring theoretical concepts but are
actively creating a program that can be utilized by educators to enhance their professional
practices. This hands-on approach benefits curriculum and instruction by providing practical
solutions that can be implemented in diverse educational settings. The professional development
program I am developing serves as a bridge between research and practice, demonstrating how
WGU D181 Task 5 - Capstone Research on Social Emotional Learning
Strategies | Passed on First Attempt |Latest Update with Complete
Solution
Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Michaella Flaherty
A Capstone Presented to the Teachers College Faculty of Western Governors University in
Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Science, Curriculum and Instruction
Paula Westerman
January 25th, 2026
Abstract
In the evolving landscape of education, the integration of Social Emotional Learning
(SEL) strategies into daily classroom activities presents both opportunities and challenges. My
capstone research addresses the pivotal question: How can professional development be crafted
using a survey scale to effectively tackle the difficulties teachers face in implementing SEL
strategies? This action research study involves participants including teachers from diverse grade
levels, administrators, and curriculum specialists. By harnessing insights gained from their
survey feedback, I aim to create a targeted professional development program. Analysis of the
collected data illuminated several critical areas for improvement, highlighting where focused
professional development could bridge existing gaps in SEL implementation. The conclusion
underscores SEL's importance in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment,
essential for both students' academic success and emotional wellbeing. By systematically
addressing the identified needs, this research seeks to empower educators with the tools and
confidence required to seamlessly incorporate SEL strategies into their teaching practices.
, 2
Type of Capstone 4
Chapter 1: Topic and Problem
Research Topic and Relevance with Citations 4
Approved Problem Statement 5
Impact and Root Cause of Problem 6
Approved Research Question 7
Conclusion with Justification 7
Chapter 2: Review of Literature
Literature Review Introduction 8
Body of Literature Review
Teacher Voice in Professional Development 8
Types of Professional Development 10
Conclusion of Literature Review 12
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Approved Research Questions 14
Participants or Stakeholders 14
Data Collection Instruments 15
Research Method 16
Data Analysis Technique 17
Timeline 18
Resources 18
Data Security and Confidentiality 18
Conclusion 19
Chapter 4: Results
Summary of Research 21
Analysis of study Results and Findings 21
Narrative Description: Staff Survey 21
Graphic Representation: Staff Survey 23
Narrative Description: 23
Graphic Description 25
Implementation 26
Research Question 27
Research Product 27
Chapter 5: Conclusions 29
Overview of Conclusion(s) 29
Strengths and Weaknesses 30
Influential Factors 30
Further Investigation 31
Barriers or Limitations 32
, 3
Implication for Educational Practice 32
Appendix A 34
Appendix B 37
Appendix C 39
Appendix D 39
Appendix E 41
Appendix F 42
Appendix G 43
Appendix H 44
Appendix I 45
References 46
References 46
, 4
Type of Capstone
The capstone I am writing focuses on developing a research-based survey intended to create a
professional development opportunity specifically tailored for educators. This initiative is
designed to assist teachers in effectively integrating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into
their classrooms. By systematically gathering data through the survey, we aim to understand
educators' current practices, challenges, and needs related to SEL implementation. The insights
derived will guide the creation of targeted professional development programs, empowering
teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources. This project not only addresses a
crucial aspect of contemporary education but also fosters a supportive learning environment that
benefits both students and educators.
Chapter 1: Topic and Problem
Research Topic and Relevance with Citations
According to one study, the five core social and emotional competencies that SEL seeks
to cultivate are self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and
responsible decision-making (Schiepe-Tiska et al., 2021). My capstone project is highly relevant
to the field of curriculum and instruction as it addresses a critical component of contemporary
education: the integration of social emotional learning (SEL) into everyday classroom practices.
In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the importance of SEL in fostering
well-rounded students who are not only academically proficient but also emotionally intelligent
and socially responsible. By focusing on the creation of a professional development program,
your applied research contributes to this growing field by equipping educators with the tools and
strategies necessary to effectively implement SEL in their classrooms. This ensures that students
receive a holistic education that supports their academic, social, and emotional development.
The relevance of my project also lies in its practical application to real-world educational
settings. Through my applied research, I am not merely exploring theoretical concepts but are
actively creating a program that can be utilized by educators to enhance their professional
practices. This hands-on approach benefits curriculum and instruction by providing practical
solutions that can be implemented in diverse educational settings. The professional development
program I am developing serves as a bridge between research and practice, demonstrating how
