Ripple Effects for Teens
Grades 6-12
Advance youth agency and learning
Support academic and social success
A model program, Ripple Effects for Teens is a research-based, proven effective program. Students who use the program show improved grades, resiliency assets, and attendance. Ripple Effects can be used as part of Advisory, PBIS/RTI framework, Restorative Practices, Special Education, Alternative to Suspension, or as an academic support.
Supports tiered intervention
Tier One
Align learning opportunities with group needs to reinforce a connected and skill-focused educational experience.
Tier Two
Ensure effective prevention by aligning skill training with data-driven needs.
Tier Three
Integrate into individualized behavior plans to provide targeted interventions.
Behavioral Interventions
Support youth across behavioral health and court-based settings by strengthening the skills and protective factors they need to succeed.
How it Works!
- 1
Multiple modes of learning
Multiple instructional modes per topic provide differentiated learning opportunities for every student.
- 2
Peer videos
Students interact with youth who look and sound like them, which provides a sense of belonging and understanding.
- 3
Classroom instruction support
Teachers receive ideas and suggestions on how to promote classroom discussions. Supplemental questions on the sidebar support practice and reflection. Teachers can also pause the video as needed during classroom discussions.
- 4
Related Topics
Self-directed learning and personal problem-solving is encouraged via Related Topics and/or hyperlinks, which provide deeper instruction in a topic area.
Impactful Results
Proven effective both in scientific studies and through real world evaluations by implementers, Ripple Effects for Teens delivers impactful results through relevant, context-driven skill training. Students using Ripple Effects demonstrate positive gains in academic achievement, attendance, and resiliency asset scores, while also experiencing reductions in suspensions, ISS referrals, dropout rates, behavior problems, and depression scores.
Impact on Grades
Previously failing students who used RE Teens raised their grades from a 1.1 to a 2.4 in one semester, while the control group went down over the same period (Perry, Bass, Ray, & Berg; 2008).
Impact on Dropout Rates
One study showed a statistically significant, more than 50% lower dropout rate one year later, among students who were exposed to Ripple Effects, compared to the control group.
Impact on Suspensions
In one study of 3800+ students using RE Teens in ISS, repeat referrals to ISS declined an average of 28% from fall to spring, a time when they normally increase. (Ray, Patterson & Berg, 2008).
Ripple Effects Integrated System
Data management and planning tools assist data driven decision-making
Ripple Effects Integrated System is a comprehensive system that includes planning and progress monitoring tools, implementation resources, and services to help implementers monitor youth engagement, track skill development, and inform intervention strategies.
Playlist Creator allows implementers to assign specific lessons or research-based scopes of Ripple Effects lessons to individual students or groups, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time. Screen for Strengths assessment tool provides a self-reported survey of resiliency assets, helping to guide personalized intervention plans.
Data Viewer gives intervention reports at group and individual levels, and allows users to view a quick summary or drill down to the granular with specific skill topics completion. Dosage reports enable implementers to monitor compliance and track student progress, as well as providing administrators documentation to meet legal and funding requirements and guide implementation strategies.
For teens who want to explore their lives, change their situation, and gain new ideas and insights about themselves and their potential, this app can be a game-changer 
Dr. Maurice Elias,
Director, Rutgers University