Initiative Description: A class-wide, social problem-solving curriculum. The program presents six social problem-solving steps that guide personal decision-making. Three lessons are devoted to Step 1: Recognize that a problem exists. This includes recognizing anger in oneself and others and understanding how emotional reactions can create problems or exacerbate existing ones. Step 2: Calm down and think. These lessons focus on emotion regulation and provide specific strategies to use in anger-provoking situations. Step 3: Define the problem in terms of goals and barriers, Step 4: Generate solutions through brainstorming, Step 5: Select a strategy by considering possible outcomes, and Step 6: Evaluate the outcome after a solution is carried out. Each of the 15 lessons devoted to a problem-solving step begins with a cumulative review and ends with an opportunity to practice learned skills through an associated activity.

Study Results: Improved knowledge of problem-solving concepts and improved teacher ratings of aggression.

Reference: Daunic, A. P., Smith, S. W., Brank, E. M., & Penfield, R. D. (2006). Classroom-based cognitive–behavioral intervention to prevent aggression: Efficacy and social validity. Journal of School Psychology, 44(2), 123–139.

Level of Evidence: Very Good