What Research Has Been Done On The Outcomes of the Choose Love Curriculum?

Scientific research proves that teaching evidence-based Character and Social Emotional Development Standards (CSED) in the classroom significantly benefits all children. View additional research on Choose Love For Schools™.

Of respondents to the 2025 Choose Love Educator Survey:

  • 99% of educators believe the program is effective
  • 86% of educators reported students showing more COURAGE (trying new or difficult tasks, expressing themselves more, etc)
  • 89% of educators reported students showing more GRATITUDE (appreciation, empathy, kindness)
  • 85% of educators reported students showing more FORGIVENESS (less aggression, more self emotional control)
  • 86% of educators reported an increase in COMPASSION-IN-ACTION (improved social skills, enhanced connections)
  • 82% of educators reported students showing greater resilience or signs of Post-Traumatic Growth in the face of challenges or adversity (better coping, recovery, emotional strength, or personal growth after difficult experiences)
  • 82% of educators reported increased academic success
  • 86% of respondents reported an improvement in classroom climate
  • 83% of respondents reported an improvement in students’ behavior
  • 93% of educators say they enjoy teaching the program
  • 88% of educators believe students enjoy the program
  • 85% of educators report increased job satisfaction as a result of teaching Choose Love
  • 91% of educators report benefitting personally from the Choose Love Program
  • 71% of educators report improvement with attendance
  • 98% of educators who responded consider the Choose Love curriculum important for themselves and their students

 

A Phenomenological Study of the Teachers and Mental Health Paraprofessionals Implementing the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Program

Kristi L. Perryman, Erin Kern Popejoy, and Julia Conroy, University of Arkansas

This qualitative phenomenological study found that staff implementing the Choose Love curriculum in therapeutic day treatment settings perceived meaningful positive changes in both students and adults over the 10-week program. Participants reported that students showed more compassion, used coping and mindfulness skills more often, expressed themselves more appropriately, and appeared to feel safer and more trusting in the classroom. Staff also described becoming more empathetic, calm, and socially aware in their own responses, while relationships among teachers and mental health paraprofessionals grew more cohesive and collaborative. Choose Love strengthens student behavior, staff mindset, and group connection.
Access the full study.