Social Decision Making/Social Problem Solving (SDM/SPS), Grades K-1

This curriculum focuses on developing reflective decision-makers in young learners. Social Decision Making/Social Problem Solving (SDM/SPS), Grades K-1 emphasizes essential literacy skills and cooperative learning.

The Social Decision Making/Social Problem Solving (SDM/SPS), Grades K-1 curriculum has been developed over three decades, demonstrating its effectiveness in various educational settings. This research-validated program aims to cultivate reflective, nonimpulsive, and responsible decision-makers among young learners while emphasizing essential literacy skills. It is designed for classroom environments but can also be adapted for small-group settings, making it versatile for different teaching scenarios.

Utilizing a range of cooperative learning techniques, the program engages students through activities such as small-group brainstorming, problem-solving, and role-playing. Participants develop crucial skills including self-control, active listening, respectful communication, and the ability to work cooperatively and fairly in group settings. The accompanying manual and CD provide numerous reproducible worksheets that facilitate the implementation of these activities in the classroom.

The impact of SDM/SPS extends beyond academic learning; it also influences student behavior and their social and emotional lives. By promoting a multicultural perspective, the program fosters group cohesion, acceptance of differences, and an understanding of diverse viewpoints. Recognized by various organizations, it has been labeled as an exemplary evidence-based program by CASEL, a model for substance abuse prevention by the New Jersey Department of Education, and a promising program by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Separate volumes for grades 2-3 and 4-5 are also available, along with a manual tailored for middle school students.