Playworks
About the Intervention
Playworks places full-time coaches in low-income elementary schools to provide opportunities for organized play during recess and throughout the school day. The program includes structured recess activities where coaches teach conflict resolution skills and foster student play through structured, inclusive activities; class game time where coaches model positive language and involve teachers; and a junior coach program where fourth- and fifth-grade students develop leadership and conflict resolution skills. The program is designed to engage students in physical activity, foster social skills related to cooperation and conflict resolution, improve students' ability to focus on class work, decrease behavioral problems, and improve school climate.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect on teachers' perceptions of students' safety and inclusion at recess
Positive effect on reducing bullying and exclusionary behavior during recess
Positive effect on transition from recess to classroom activities
Positive effect on student behavior and attention in class after sports, games and play
Positive effect on teacher reports of student behavior at recess and readiness for class
No effect on student-reported school climate
No effect on general aggressive behavior
No effect on academic performance
No effect on youth development measures
No effect on student behavior indicators
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Social-Emotional Learning, Economically Disadvantaged, Disciplinary InfractionsPrograms & Services
General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Source
A. London, R., Beyler, N., Bleeker, M., Castrechini, S., Hedley Dodd, A., James-Burdumy, S., Stokes-Guinan, K. & Westrich, L. (2012). Findings from a Randomized Experiment of Playworks: Selected Results from Cohort 1 (ED531230). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED531230.pdf.
Study Demographics
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Participant Race
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Participant Gender
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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