"If something doesn't go my way or the outcome isn't what I want...if it's not something super important then okay, it's not the end of the world, it's going to be fine...I try to just take a few deep breaths and just move on from it."
- 9th Grade Be CALM Student Participant
About the Be CALM Program
Be CALM is a mindfulness-based Social-Emotional Learning program for 6th - 9th graders with two levels (6th/7th and 8th/9th) of developmentally-appropriate curriculum that consist of 16 (45-minute) weekly lessons each. The program builds educators' capacity for mindful teaching and compassionate engagement with students to support them in learning and applying social-emotional skills in the classroom and beyond.
This research-based program was developed with users in mind. Program developers focus on teachers' as well as students' wellbeing, and they provide ongoing support within a professional learning community to enhance program sustainability.
RESEARCH BASED
Extensive study and review of existing self-regulation interventions and consultation with national experts.
DEVELOPED WITH USERS IN MIND
Substantial input from students, teachers, school mental health staff, and administrators to design content and methods.
FOCUS ON TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
Promoting wellbeing in educators and staff, building capacity for program sustainability.
IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT
Ongoing support from program developers within a professional learning community.
What is the Evidence?
The Be CALM Program has been delivered to over 2000 North Carolina secondary students from predominantly rural areas. Two evaluations suggest that trained teachers increase use of support strategies with students and experience decreased teaching stress. Students report being better able to regulate their emotions,cope with stress, and resolve conflict. Teachers also identified improvements in students' prosocial behaviors and academic motivation.
"I was a tough nut to crack with mindfulness, but it was a success. Now I start everyday with mindfulness."
- Middle School Counselor Participant