A new Healthy NewsWorks teacher survey found that on average 91 percent of students deepened their social and emotional learning (SEL) through participation in the school newspaper program during the 2025–26 school year.
The survey marked the first time Healthy NewsWorks included the SEL question for teachers in grades 4 to 8 who bring our health journalism program into their classrooms. In the same survey, the teachers also said that on average their students gained academic skills in three areas: research (87 percent), writing (84 percent), and health knowledge (86 percent).
“The evaluation continues to demonstrate the range and depth of student learning that takes place through Healthy NewsWorks,” said Moriah Hall, a Healthy NewsWorks board member who oversees evaluation for the organization. “By measuring social-emotional learning alongside writing, research and health knowledge for the first time, we’re gaining a more complete understanding of how the program helps students grow both academically and personally.”
The SEL findings align with Healthy NewsWorks’ Making Healthy Connections curriculum, which helps students explore mental health, healthy relationships, stress management, and effective communication while creating student-led newspapers. As one partner teacher noted, “They developed an ability to listen to others and empathize with them.”
Student reflections echoed these outcomes. Although students were not directly asked about social and emotional learning, 71% of the 258 student reflections referenced at least one social-emotional skill described in the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Framework. CASEL identifies five core competencies that support student success: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. According to CASEL, evidence-based SEL programs improve students’ social and emotional skills, strengthen relationships, reduce emotional distress, and support academic achievement. CASEL is widely used by school districts across the United States to implement SEL frameworks and curricula.
Students frequently described learning to communicate, collaborate, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships through reporting. “Interacting with others and helping get the job done was something I’d take to heart,” one seventh grader student wrote. “It was fun talking to everyone and solving complex problems.”
Another seventh grade student reflected on the importance of connection through journalism, writing, “Reporting can help people connect. Your social connection can get better by also communicating and bringing others along.”
Students also described improving their writing abilities, learning journalistic techniques, and gaining health knowledge:
“I had to interview people, gather information, write it down, and fix any mistakes. I learned about article formatting and saw how demanding writing can be. I also collaborated with a team, writing and proofreading together.” — Seventh grader
“When writing, you should list where you found the information so readers know they can trust it.” —Sixth grader
“We learned that we can improve our health by doing things like art, going outside, talking at the dinner table with your family, and more.” —Seventh grader
Teachers also observed students strengthening key SEL skills throughout the year. They said working together to research, interview and publish stories helped students build relationships, communicate more effectively, and develop empathy.
“I think Healthy NewsWorks has helped students realize the benefits of group activities and has helped them improve their relationship skills and friend-building,” one fourth-grade teacher wrote.
Another fourth-grade teacher said students “developed an ability to listen to others and empathize with them.”
A school librarian also noted stronger connections among student reporters.
“They develop great rapport with one another as we work together in a group. Sometimes we eat lunch together and discuss what we are working on. The students laugh, share stories, and listen to one another.”
Illustration by Lasha and Dylan, 7th grade, MaST, 2025-2026.
