We are excited to share a new resource: The Zones of Regulation Evidence of Effectiveness Brief. This report will help you feel informed about the evidence, impact, and outcomes of using The Zones of Regulation framework and curriculum for both learners and leaders. Catch up on the most up-to-date research on The Zones and share the report with team members and decision-makers in your community! Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll find in the report:
The Zones of Regulation Research and Evidence Base
Since its introduction in 2011, The Zones of Regulation® has established itself as a valuable tool for emotional regulation. Developed from extensive research in social-emotional learning, neuroscience, and psychology, the curriculum is backed by solid evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in improving learner outcomes.
The Proof is in the Pudding
The Zones of Regulation continues to be shaped by extensive practice-based evidence and feedback from educators, clinicians, families, and learners. Over the past decade, we’ve worked with our community to gather practical feedback to refine our framework and curriculum. This approach helps bridge the “research-to-practice gap” by addressing real-world challenges you face.
As the saying goes, “the proof is in the pudding”: through our work with The Zones community we have consistently seen the positive impact of The Zones in real-world settings.
Independent Research Studies
In addition to practice-based evidence, independent research shows The Zones’ positive impact on learners. Rigorous studies have demonstrated significant improvements in learners’ self-regulation, positive social behavior, and academic performance, while reducing emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors.
Recent evaluations of the Digital Curriculum continue to support these findings. Our existing evidence base is associated with the following outcomes:
- Enhanced Self-Regulation: Notable improvement in learners’ self-regulation skills, including self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making.
- Better Positive Social Behavior: Significant increase in learners’ social behaviors, such as social awareness, relationship skills, social communication, and self-confidence.
- Reduced Emotional Distress: Decrease in learners’ emotional distress, including feelings of sadness and nervousness.
- Decrease in Maladaptive Behavior: Significant reduction in maladaptive behaviors, such as emotional reactivity, irritability, hyperactivity, and inattention.
- Improved Academic Performance: Significant enhancement in learners’ academic performance, including grades and standardized achievement scores.
- Lower Use of Exclusionary Discipline: Reduction in the use of exclusionary discipline methods, such as suspensions, expulsions, and office referrals.
- Enhanced Teaching Practices: Significant improvement in teaching practices that support the development of learners’ social-emotional competencies, including increased teacher self-efficacy.
Exciting new research is underway to further validate and expand The Zones’ impact. For more information on the research studies and evidence behind The Zones of Regulation, check out our Evidence of Effectiveness Brief. As we continue to evolve, The Zones of Regulation aims to further support the well-being and success of learners worldwide.
How Do I Find Out More About the Zones of Regulation Research?
Check out our revamped Research Page! Our latest updates are designed to make it easier than ever for you to access the information and resources you need. Whether you want to find the latest research studies or explore the foundational research The Zones is built upon, it’s all available on our updated page.
