The Essex Westford School District believes that it is important to assess social-emotional learning on an ongoing basis - similarly to how we gauge and review academic progress. Given this focus, the EWSD has chosen to use the DESSA, a research-based assessment, in our work with students in kindergarten through 12th grade. 

DESSA is utilized to screen students and assessment data will be shared with families via progress reports throughout the year.

Click here to learn more about DESSA and to access SEL resources, including research and case studies, from Apenture Education.

DESSA assesses eight social and emotional competencies and is intended to help educators plan instruction, document students’ strengths and areas of need, inform progress monitoring, and evaluate program outcomes.

DESSA measures cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies.

K-8 (Teacher-Based Ratings & Strategies); 9-12 (Student-Facing Assessment)

There are eight subscores:

• Self-awareness

• Social awareness

• Self-management

• Goal-directed behavior

• Relationship skills

• Personal responsibility

• Decisionmaking

• Optimistic thinking

Information obtained from the RAND Education Assessment Finder.

Social & Emotional Learning in the EWSD

• Devereux Student Strengths Assessment (DESSA)