Building better SEL: A systematic approach to usability evaluation in school-based programming

This paper describes the novel application of the Usability Evaluation for Evidence-Based Psychosocial Interventions (USE-EBPI) method to evaluate how easy or difficult it is to use school-based social-emotional learning (SEL) programs that are intended for all students. By applying the USE-EBPI method to SEL programs with teachers and students in a research setting, we successfully evaluated the usability of six SEL programs. This article outlines necessary adaptations to the original USE-EBPI method to address unique aspects of SEL programs while extending prior applications. Examples of outcomes at each step, lessons learned, and future protocol improvements are provided and can serve as a resource for conducting SEL program usability evaluations.