Who are We?
SEL.box is a joint venture of the SEL.IL Center at Reichman University and the Faculty of Education at the University of Haifa. SEL.box’s activities focus on developing customized conceptual frameworks of social-emotional competencies, facilitating innovative assessment processes of these skills, and making relevant, practical, and easy-to-apply tools available to all those in the field of education.
We bring extensive expertise and unique know-how to the process of developing conceptual frameworks and assessment systems for social-emotional competencies. Our work is built on both the latest academic research and wide-ranging familiarity with the needs, challenges, and cultural contexts of the field of education in Israel.
What Do We Do?
Develop Integrative Conceptual Frameworks
We build a conceptual framework of SEL competencies, which includes systematically selecting competencies that align with a program's goals, cultural and developmental characteristics, and its target audiences’ unique challenges.
Develop Assessment and Measurement Tools
We develop, adapt, and validate tools, and technological infrastructure to support them, to measure competencies in an accurate, practical, and relevant manner.
Map Competencies for Pedagogical and Organizational Purposes
We sketch an up-to-date picture of the students’ and educators’ SEL competencies - as preparation for building customized interventions.
Develop Data-based Pedagogical Systems
We develop systems to collect, analyze, interpret, and use data for optimization and learning over time, for effective pedagogical and organizational work, and for decision-making to facilitate for continuous improvement.
SEL.box’s Added Value
- Expertise and know-how in academic and practical areas vital to developing focused, customized conceptual frameworks.
- A collaborative and flexible approach that sees educators as full partners.
- Ability to translate complex academic knowledge into practical solutions for the field.
- Precise adaptation of competencies and assessment tools to different audiences.
- Development of a wide range of assessment tools – from questionnaires and observation tools to technological solutions.
- In-depth understanding of the educational situation in Israel, including cultural, systemic, and pedagogical considerations.
- Professional support and research at every stage – from defining needs to implementing to analyzing results.
Our Work Process
1. Locate and Identify Needs
Pay attention to and prioritize challenges from the field and cooperate with educators to accurately identify needs.
2. Map Academic Knowledge and Adapt it to the Context
Review research literature from around the globe and adapt it to the local context and the specific goals of each initiative.
3. Build a Relevant Conceptual Framework
Implement a professional, systematic process to select, define, and characterize SEL skills, based on experience, research, and understanding of the field.
4. Develop and Validate Measurement and Assessment Tools
Formulate an assessment framework based on the conceptual framework and develop customized, valid, practical tools - in collaboration with the field.
5. Collect, Analyze, and Disseminate Data
Conduct studies using multiple methodologies (psychometric, field, efficacy, etc.). Produce clear, practical reports to support educational and organizational decision-making.