Investing in SEL: The Budget Boost Schools Need
Schools that overlook social-emotional learning are paying more than they think
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What We Discovered: The Real Price of Behavioral Issues
When it comes to behavioral disruptions, schools pay more than just the cost of lost learning. The financial hit can be staggering. For instance:
- Office Disciplinary Referral (ODR): Each incident costs schools between $150 and $500.
- In-School Suspension (ISS): Ranges from $250 to $700 per day.
- Out-of-School Suspension (OSS): Costs between $300 and $1,000 per day.
- Lost Teacher Productivity: Managing disruptions costs teachers about 2.5 hours per week, translating to $4,000 per year per teacher in lost time.
If your school has just 35 teachers that’s $140,000 per year lost, not to mention the broader impact on learning and student outcomes.
Why SEL Is a Financial Game-Changer
After implementing the moozoom SEL program, Rainbow Ridge Elementary School saw a 40% reduction in low-level behavioral referrals and a 58% drop in ODRs, saving the school between $15,000 and $30,000 in one year.
But it’s not just about cutting costs. The return on investment is profound: A Columbia University study found that every dollar spent on SEL yields about $11 in long-term benefits like improved mental health, higher graduation rates, and decreased behavioral issues.
It’s not just a quick fix. It’s a long-term strategy that pays off.
Why Investing in SEL Pays Off Long-Term
While the immediate savings from reducing disciplinary incidents are clear, the real financial benefits of SEL extend far beyond the present school year. Research shows that high school dropouts cost society approximately $250,000 each—lost earnings, lower tax contributions, and increased reliance on public assistance add up quickly.
SEL programs, which are shown to improve graduation rates and reduce risky behaviors like substance abuse and criminal activity, help prevent these costly outcomes. Programs that integrate SEL with frameworks like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) not only create positive behavior changes but also offer significant financial relief in the long run.
Even with upfront costs—like the average $53,216 per year for PBIS—the potential savings from improved student retention and lower suspension rates make the investment worthwhile. In short, prioritizing SEL is not just about reducing immediate expenses; it’s a strategic move to secure financial stability for years to come.
The Big Picture: Why This Matters Now
District leaders are often focused on the initial costs of SEL programs, but our analysis shows that ignoring SEL could actually be a much more expensive mistake. By proactively addressing behavioral issues, schools can save money while fostering healthier, more supportive learning environments.
Want to see the full breakdown and discover actionable strategies? Download our detailed report: SEL Pays Off: A Financial Analysis of Behavioral Incident Costs in Schools.