How to Interpret the SECA SEL Assessment Scores
This guide explains how to navigate and interpret the report, identify areas of strength and need, and use the tools available to take actionable steps for improving student outcomes.
The SEL Assessment Report is a powerful tool for tracking and supporting student growth in the 5 CASEL competencies. Educators can take meaningful steps to help students develop skills critical to their social-emotional well-being and success.
Learn how to access and filter the SEL Assessments Report here
Click the desired section(s) below to expand and learn more:
Understanding the Scoring Guide, Completion Data and Total Score Average
After filtering by assessment and/or grade level, compare the Scoring Guide at the top of the page to the averages shown in each domain or subdomain. This will show where students are mastering, developing, or struggling within the 5 CASEL competencies and subdomains using the scoring range listed.
Note that Scoring Guides and their rubrics are determined by grade band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12). The example below displays the scoring rubric for Kindergarten.
Completion Data
Under the Scoring Guide, locate key information such as the number of students who completed assessments at different points in the year. This information is also available on the Group Assignments page under the Assignments tab. In the example pictured below:
– 180 Kindergartners completed the Beginning of Year (BOY) SEL Assessment, noted in green.
– 160 Kindergartners completed the Mid-Year (MY) Assessment, noted in blue.
Total Score Average
The Total Score Average shows how students are performing overall within the chosen cohort. Using the same example, the Total Score Average on the BOY Assessment is 49.26, which places the cohort in the Mastering category based on the scoring rubric. By the MY Assessment, the average increased to 50.78, showcasing growth within the “Mastering” category. The average score can be used to establish a baseline and showcase overall growth for the cohort.
Scores from the Beginning of Year SEL Assessment (BOY) are noted in green.
Scores from the Mid Year SEL Assessment (MY) are noted in blue.
Identifying Strengths and Areas Needing Growth
Review the previous section for more information about the Scoring Guide and rubric. The Scoring Guide and rubric are specific to each grade band. Filter by a new grade level at the top of the page.
Domain-Specific Averages
For more detailed insights, refer to the Scoring Guide while reviewing average scores in the 5 CASEL domains: Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision Making, Self-Awareness, Self-Management, and Social Awareness.
Averages scores within the Mastering category, indicate the cohort is excelling in that domain. Students may need little to no support in these areas. It is recommended to continue current tier 1 lessons.
Averages falling within the Struggling category or Developing category indicate the cohort may need additional support in that domain. To support the cohort, Admin or teachers may decide to use additional Compass lessons to support these specific areas at the tier 1 level or review current SEL instructional practices for improvement.
Below you can find a color-coded screenshot matching the scoring rubric with the correct domain for a Kindergarten cohort. Using the Scoring Guide, you can quickly identify where the cohort excels and where the cohort can improve. Once the second or third assessment is completed, overall growth in each category will also be displayed next to the average score. The amount of change between assessments is automatically calculated and displayed next to the more recent assessment.
The example below shows this Kindergarten cohort is mastering Relationship Skills, according to the Scoring Guide. The Beginning of Year (BOY) average shown in green is 9.99 and the Mid Year (MY) average shown in blue is 10.49. The cohort's average score has improved by 5.01%, strongly indicating current tier 1 practices are working. You can also see the average Responsible Decision Making score improved by 4.57% from 10.07 to 10.53. Referring to the Scoring Guide, this cohort is also mastering Responsible Decision Making. Both scores provide a strong foundation for further SEL development.
The same example shows the average Social Awareness BOY score was 6.25, referring to the Scoring Guide this is at the higher end of the Struggling category. After providing additional support, the average Social Awareness MY score is 8, firmly within the Developing category, an improvement of 28%.
Identifying Students and Creating Small Groups for Additional Support
Identifying students who score within the Struggling category can help teachers and counselors support students. Note that the score range for Struggling, Developing, and Mastering varies between each category and grade level. The school can assist struggling students by:
– Supporting their needs during academic instruction and activities.
– Assigning additional Compass lessons aligned with CASEL competencies.
– Offering targeted activities to practice and improve skills in areas like Self-Management or Relationship Skills.
Compass also provides both visuals and raw data to assist admin and teachers in identifying these students.
Using the Bar Graph for Insights
Scrolling further down, the bar graph provides a visual representation of student performance by score ranges within each CASEL competency. Hover over or click on the highlighted sections of the visual to view detailed information. Each highlighted section provides further insights into student performance trends. To identify students scoring below their peers:
- To the right of the bar graph, select the boxes displaying scores above the Struggling category for the current grade level. This removes higher-performing groups from view.
- Click on each bar to view a list of students earning scores in this range. Click “Export Results” in the top right corner to download a list of these students. The example displays data from a Kindergarten cohort.
- Click on each bar to view a list of students earning scores in this range. Click “Export Results” in the top right corner to download a list of these students and create a small group or schedule one-to-one sessions.
Reporting by Individual: Domain Scores and Item Analysis
The last section of the report page includes reporting by individuals. Reports for individual students include: Domain Score by Student and Student Answers.
– Search for specific students using the search bar or sort the data using the arrows next to each column header.
– Select “Export Results” to download a .csv file and share the data with colleagues or stakeholders to foster collaborative planning and ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive in SEL domains.
Domain Score by Student: Shows individual student scores by CASEL domain and subdomain
Student Answers: Lists each item and the student’s answer
Separate reports are available for Beginning of Year, Mid-Year, and End of Year SEL Assessments, and all reports can be exported to a .csv file.