Mindful Schools Curriculum

Initiative Description: All classrooms were randomly assigned to receive the Mindful Schools (MS) curriculum or MS + additional 7 once-Weekly classes (MS+). The MS curriculum was delivered to students in 15 minute sessions 3 times/week for 5 weeks. MS+ included curriculum + additional once-Weekly classes for 15 minutes for 7 weeks. Content delivered during the additional 7 weeks in MS+ was a review of lesson content learned from the original 5 weeks MS intervention. Curriculum was delivered by 2 mindfullness mediation teachers. Classroom teachers were given a 1 hour briefing on mindfulness and also participated in the mindfulness classroom activities. Teachers were asked to administer short 2 minute practices with their students on days the MS instructors were not present. Students were asked to practice leanred mindful skills in daily life. The program curriculum was the same for all grade levels.

Study Results: Teachers reported improved classroom behavior of their students (paying attention, self-control, participation in activities, and caring/respect for others) that last up to 7 weeks post-intervention. With the exception of paying attention, improvements were not bolstered by the addition of extra sessions.

Level of Evidence: Very Good