Lion’s Quest Skills for Adolescence (SFA)

Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence (SFA) is a middle school social and emotional learning program that consists of 3 core units of SEL instruction, followed by units on Health and Prevention, and Leadership through Service Learning. The lessons in each unit include grade appropriate content that develops sequentially by topic. The curriculum offers cross-curricular activities, family and community connection activities, as well as reinforcement and enrichment activities.

The program and lessons are based on the Five SEL Core Competencies from CASEL and use a four-phase instructional design. Central to this is a view of students as active participants, initiating their own learning in a natural way that draws on their innate curiosity. The emphasis is on interaction as students work together to learn concepts, practice thinking and social skills, and discover the benefits of cooperating toward mutual goals.

This program is approved for WV Expanded School Mental Health.

Last reviewed: 2023


Intended Outcomes:
This program intends to improve the following skills in youth:

  • self-awareness
  • self-management
  • social awareness
  • relationship skills
  • responsible decision making

Continuum of Care:
Universal Prevention

Topic Areas:
Behavioral Health/Mental Health, Disruptive Behaviors, Physical Health, Substance Use

Ages:
Childhood (4-12), Teen/Adolescent (13-18)

Geographic Locations:
Rural, Urban

Delivery Settings:
School-Based

Cultural Considerations:
A balanced amount of the research involved diverse populations

Audience:
This program is for youth who are in 6th-8th grade.

Credentials:
This program is implemented by classroom teachers.

Manuals:
Yes

Is Training Required?
No

Who can provide the required training?
Training is not required but is recommended, especially for school-wide or larger implementations. There is a network of experienced trainers across the country that offer professional development workshops/training targeted to the role each staff member plays in the implementation of the program. The workshops can be done online or virtually. Click here for more information on training.

Program Costs (materials, training, etc.):
Yes, refer to program website

Program/Practice Website:
https://www.lions-quest.org/explore-our-sel-curriculum/middle-school-social-and-emotional-learning-program/

Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research:

Jones, S., Kahn, J., Nelson, B., & Temko, S. (2019, January). Executive Summary: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence in Two Middle Schools. Lion’s Quest. Retrieved December 20, 2022, from https://www.lions-quest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/report-sfa-2019-jan.pdf

Jones, S., Kahn, J., Nelson, B., & Temko, S. (2019, January). Year 2 Report: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence in Two Middle Schools. Lion’s Quest. Retrieved December 20, 2022, from https://www.lions-quest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/report-sfa-2019-jan.pdf

Kidron, Y., Garibaldi, M., & Osher, D. (2016). (rep.). Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence: Implementation and Outcome Study in Wood County, West Virginia. American Institutes for Research. Retrieved from https://www.lions-quest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/SFA-2016jan.pdf

Eisen M, Zellman GL, Murray DM. Evaluating the Lions-Quest “Skills for Adolescence” drug education program. Second-year behavior outcomes. Addict Behav. 2003 Jul;28(5):883-97. doi: 10.1016/s0306-4603(01)00292-1. PMID: 12788263.

(2016). Effective Classroom Management Strategies in the Lions Quest Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.lions-quest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Brief_TeacherStudent_2016oct.pdf.

Switzer, J. L. (2016). Evaluation of the Intervention Efficacy of Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence (dissertation).

Additional Sources:

https://www.lions-quest.org/faqs/

Supported By Research

WV Rating:
Supported by Research
»WV Ratings Info

Rationale for Rating:

Lion's Quest Skills for Adolescences shows generally positive outcomes across various studies. A majority of research fell within the quasi-experimental and experimental categories; however, the review includes one RCT with generally positive outcomes.

Contraindications or Concerns:
None identified

Other Registries/Ratings

The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare:
Not On Registry

Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development:
Not On Registry

Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness:
Unclear 0

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
Not On Registry

Washington State Institute for Public Policy:
Found on the registry. See link for more information.

Washington State Institute for Public Policy Registry Link:
http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/BenefitCost/Program/285