Question 1

What is Positive Action?

Accepted Answer

Positive Action is a comprehensive PreK–12 social-emotional health and wellness program that builds students’ self-concept and teaches practical skills for self-management, positive decision-making, healthy relationships, and constructive behavior. Evidence-based, with multiple randomized controlled trials, the program has demonstrated significant improvements in academics, behavior, and overall school climate. It supports learner readiness, parent engagement, and staff morale while promoting student well-being, and is widely recognized by national and international organizations for its proven impact.

Question 2

Who is Positive Action for?

Accepted Answer

Positive Action is designed for everyone—students, families, educators, and communities. The curriculum is sequenced for PreK–12 and can be tailored to support learners across general and special education, alternative education, after-school programs, and advisory settings. It also engages families, community organizations, and workforce readiness initiatives, making it a flexible program for diverse audiences.

Question 3

What makes Positive Action different?

Accepted Answer

Positive Action has a theory that outlines the program's structure and framework. It is depicted through the Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle and is consistent throughout the program and serves as the foundation from which all positive actions stem. It is a comprehensive program with component materials for all roles in a school community.

Question 4

Where is Positive Action used?

Accepted Answer

Positive Action is implemented in a wide variety of settings, including schools, community-based organizations, and health and prevention programs such as juvenile justice and behavioral health. It is also used in early childhood centers, family programs, and rural or tribal communities. This flexibility allows schools and organizations to integrate Positive Action where it fits best to support their goals.

Question 5

What topics are covered, and how is the scope organized?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are spread across six unit concepts, which include: self-concept; healthy body and mind (physical and intellectual); self-management (managing oneself responsibly); getting along with others (social skills); self-honesty (honesty with oneself and others); and continuous self-improvement (goal-setting). Each grade follows the same sequenced set of units and lessons that scaffold skills across the year. See more on the program's scaffolded, six-unit design .

Question 6

What SEL competencies and skills does the program teach?

Accepted Answer

Positive Action teaches the five SEL competencies with core skills spanning self-awareness and positive self-concept; self-management (self-control, healthy behaviors, goal-setting); social awareness (empathy, respect, social norms); relationship skills (communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, peer pressure); responsible decision-making (critical thinking); and integrity with continual self-improvement. Skills spiral across grades building depth as students progress. Positive Action is a designated CASEL SELect Program; see how program units align to the competencies here.

Question 7

What skills do students develop?

Accepted Answer

Positive Action helps students develop physical, intellectual, social, and emotional skills that support success in school and life. Through sequenced lessons and hands-on activities, students learn to:
+ Build a positive self-concept and self-awareness
+ Care for their body (sleep, nutrition, hygiene, physical activity, safe choices)
+ Strengthen their mind (decision-making, problem-solving, growth mindset)
+ Regulate emotions and resources (naming feelings, coping skills, time, energy)
+ Relate well with others (empathy, respect, cooperation, inclusion, resolve conflicts)
+ Focus and follow through (short- and long-term goal-setting, persistence) 
Together, these skills contribute to fewer behavior issues, stronger relationships, and better academic engagement.

Question 8

How is Positive Action aligned to standards?

Accepted Answer

Positive Action provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework that helps schools meet multiple standards through a single, integrated program that naturally aligns with academic, health, and social-emotional domains. It supports federal requirements such as ESSA and IDEA, and aligns with many state-specific standards and initiatives to strengthen core instruction and student support. Grounded in well-established pedagogical foundations and theories, the program promotes self-discovery, emotional growth, and respectful connection, making it a practical tool for meeting academic and behavioral expectations. Detailed alignment resources are available here.

Question 9

Is there a digital component to Positive Action?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pasela by Positive Action (Pasela) is the web-based platform for delivering the program. With a Pasela license, educators can access digital instructional materials including lesson plans, student handouts, and training and implementation resources, all in one place.

Question 10

Is there a mobile app?

Accepted Answer

Pasela is a web-based platform. A reliable internet connection (wi-fi or network) is necessary to access the platform using Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox browsers.

Question 11

How much of the program can be viewed online?

Accepted Answer

Demo access provided through a Program Consultant grants access to the full curriculum for the specified product(s). A self-initiated 7-day trial provides access to the first three lessons of each product. Both options include instructor materials, digital resources, music, correlated family lessons, and self-paced training. Contact a Program Consultant or start your trial today.

Question 12

Is Positive Action available in other languages?

Accepted Answer

The lessons in Pasela are in English and can be translated using Google translate option in your browser. Lesson materials, including posters, visual aids, and activity sheets, are being translated and will be made available in Pasela under Digital Resources as they are completed.

Question 13

How long is each lesson and how often do we teach?

Accepted Answer

Most lessons take 15-25 minutes. The program is designed to be taught near-daily throughout a 36-week school year. The elementary and high school curricula are taught 3-4 times a week, and middle school is taught 2-3 times a week. For best results, keep the unit sequence intact; however, lessons may be taught out of sequence to target a specific behavior and revisited when they come up again. Adjust pacing to fit your schedule.

Question 14

Who should attend training?

Accepted Answer

We recommend training for all staff who will deliver or support program implementation, including classroom teachers, facilitators, site leads, counselors, and administrators. Broader participation can help strengthen consistency and program impact across the school or organization.

Question 15

How much training will staff need?

Accepted Answer

Training is optional but strongly recommended. Pasela license-holders have access to self-paced orientation training from their dashboard. Most staff complete the orientation in a couple of hours, with an optional certification process. Live webinar and in-person training are also offered. See our training services for more details on training options and costs.

Question 16

What type of support is provided throughout the school year?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing support is available with a Program Consultant via calls, email, and webinars. Additional training can be purchased and scheduled for either in-person or virtual sessions. Sites can also share recorded lesson clips for feedback and coaching.

Question 17

Can Positive Action integrate with PBIS/MTSS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Positive Action integrates seamlessly with PBIS and MTSS. At Tier 1, it’s embedded into daily classroom instruction to build a shared language and consistent expectations. At Tiers 2 and 3, the program can be layered with targeted or individualized interventions. Schools often integrate Positive Action with their existing systems to strengthen alignment, streamline practices, and build a unified schoolwide culture.

Question 18

How soon will we see results?

Accepted Answer

Many schools notice classroom culture shifts within weeks, while broader schoolwide indicators typically improve over a semester or full school year. Results may vary based on dosage, fidelity, and implementation context.

Question 19

What is Pasela?

Accepted Answer

Pasela is the web-based platform for delivering the Positive Action program. A Pasela license provides access to one or more grade-level products, each complete with lesson plans, student and instructor materials, and implementation tools and resources. The platform also includes self-paced training with optional certification to support program and product-specific implementation.

Question 20

Can students access materials online?

Accepted Answer

Currently, Pasela does not offer student-facing access. Instructors can download the lesson digital resources to share them through your site's preferred method.

Question 21

How can families and communities engage with Positive Action?

Accepted Answer

Families and community members have free access to Family Lessons in Pasela, which align with and reinforce concepts taught in the classroom. These lessons can be used at home to strengthen student learning and support positive behaviors. Sites can also extend engagement through take-home activities, lesson recaps, themes, and strategies. In addition, schools can increase community involvement through activities such as family nights, newsletters, assemblies, shared posters and language, and partnerships with community organizations that deliver age-appropriate lessons with proper licensing and orientation.

Question 22

How do we pilot the Positive Action program in our school/organization?

Accepted Answer

Schools and organizations interested in piloting the program can get started by connecting with a Program Consultant and attending an introductory webinar. After the webinar, demo access may be provided for a short-term pilot of up to 90 days. If a longer pilot is preferred, licenses would need to be purchased.

Question 23

Are there student materials or journals?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Student-facing resources include activity sheets, handouts, and text. Journaling and reflection activities are a part of lessons, although journals are not a provided resource. All printable student resources are available as digital resources for download in Pasela. Grade-level starter kits provide non-print manipulatives.

Question 24

What work will be required of teachers?

Accepted Answer

Teachers are at the heart of the program. To get started, teachers review their Pasela account and assigned product(s). An onboarding tutorial is available on first login, along with a self-paced training to deepen understanding of the program and materials. Once ready to begin instruction, key responsibilities include:

Completing optional student screening (if applicable)
Reviewing lessons and accompanying materials • Planning and adapting lessons as needed
Facilitating lessons 2–4 times per week (or as determined by administration)
Implementing simple climate routines
Tracking lesson completion and reflecting on progress
Collaborating with the site committee to support implementation.

Teachers and other implementers can also start a Pasela trial to explore the platform and get a feel for the lessons, pacing, and materials before full implementation.

Question 25

What outcomes can we expect?

Accepted Answer

Common results include fewer discipline incidents, improved social skills, stronger engagement, and positive school climate indicators. These outcomes reflect both behavioral and cultural shifts at the classroom and schoolwide level. Positive Action's research trials have produced outcomes across 25 categories. See program outcomes .

Question 26

Can we connect to our LMS?

Accepted Answer

Positive Action content can’t be uploaded or embedded directly into an external LMS such as Canvas or Schoology. However, you can share links to Pasela or add access points in your LMS to make it easy for staff to log in and access materials securely. Pasela supports Single Sign-On (SSO) through Clever and ClassLink, which many schools use to manage logins and streamline access. All curriculum content remains the property of Positive Action and may only be accessed through authorized accounts.

Question 27

What is the cost of the program licenses and materials?

Accepted Answer

A single-product license starts at $240 per user, per year. Volume and multi-year discounts are available and vary by the number of users. Long-term licenses provide additional savings, allowing users to pay for five years and receive a 7-year license. A multi-product license gives an individual user access to more than one product and offers increasing discounts for each additional product. Licenses may not be split or shared across multiple users. Optional Starter Kits include non-printable materials—such as full-color posters, visual aids, game boards, and other hands-on manipulatives. Prices range from $100 to $425 each, depending on grade level. Refresher Kits, which replenish consumable materials, range from $35 to $150 each. See our Products for grade-specific pricing. Discount bundles are available: Starter Kit + 1-year license: about 5% savings Grade band combo with Starter Kit + 1-year license: about 18% savings

Question 28

Are there recurring costs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Licenses are typically purchased for one year and renewed annually; however, long-term licensing is an option for built-in sustainability and offers discounted rates. Refresher kits replenish consumed materials from the initial starter kit.

Question 29

Will the program help build a common vocabulary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Consistent language and visuals (e.g., the Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle and unit themes) are used across grades. Climate tools include Words of the Week and posters that unify language among staff, students, and families.

Question 30

Are there prerequisites for training?

Accepted Answer

Training participants should have a license for one or more products before receiving live webinar or in-person training. Self-paced training is only available once a license has been purchased. If grade-level starter kits are planned for use, participants would ideally have these in hand before training as well. For webinar training, participants must have a reliable internet connection to join the webinar. They should also have a webcam and a microphone to participate and engage with the trainer and their colleagues fully.

Question 31

Are there evaluations about cultural/linguistic appropriateness?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trials in Hawaii and Chicago reported positive outcomes across a diverse range of student groups, including varying racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and other demographic backgrounds such as students receiving free or reduced-price lunch and special education services. In the Hawaii trial, the student body included individuals self-identifying as Native Hawai‘iann (30.3%), White (14.6%), Filipino (13.2%), ‘Other’ backgrounds (14.8%), Hawaiian (6.2%), Japanese (5.0%), Samoan (4.1%), Hispanic (3.2%), Chinese (2.0%), African American (1.9%), Indochinese (1.5%), Portuguese (1.3%), Korean (1.4%), and Native American (0.6%). Over half of students qualified for free or reduced-price lunch (56.3%), and the schools had a high stability rate (90.2%); additionally, 13.2% of students had limited English proficiency and 9.6% received special education services. In Chicago, schools had larger enrollments and lower student stability (less than 40%), with a comparable proportion of economically disadvantaged students (over 50% eligible for free or reduced-price lunch). Nearly half of the students were African American (48%), 27% were Hispanic, and 19% identified as "Other." Fewer than 50% of Chicago students passed the Illinois State Achievement Test (ISAT). Data on special education participation and limited English proficiency were not available for the Chicago sample.

Question 32

Can we connect with sites similar to ours using Positive Action or see the program in action?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upon request, we can provide references from schools and organizations with similar demographics and populations served. In some cases, a site visit may be optional to see the program in action.

Question 33

Can you help interpret results and recommend improvements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Scope is determined collaboratively. Share your goals, implementation plan, and data sources; we can review results and offer recommendations.

Question 34

How do we add teachers and students?

Accepted Answer

To add more teachers or users, sites may need to purchase additional Pasela licenses depending on their original order. Once license availability is confirmed, a Program Consultant will assist with onboarding the new users, which is typically completed within 24 hours of the request. Pasela does not currently offer a student-facing license.

Question 35

Does Pasela support SSO?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pasela supports secure authentication and offers single sign-on (SSO) options through ClassLink and Clever.

Question 36

Are there opportunities for practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lessons engage students through hands-on activities such as games, puzzles, Q&A, experiments, skits, and role-play, giving them meaningful opportunities to practice and demonstrate the skills they've learned. Example activities can be seen in our sample lessons.

Question 37

Are there assessments to monitor fidelity and progress?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Positive Action offers several tools to monitor program fidelity and student progress, including student progress surveys, teacher implementation reports, student screeners, and administrative observations. Positive Action does not currently provide an online platform for administering assessments. Learn more about the assessments and download a packet (PDF) of these tools. The packet is offered to support schools in managing and organizing their own assessment process. For a less formal approach, formative checks, reflections, and performance tasks are embedded within the lessons to provide quick, in-the-moment opportunities to check for student understanding. Instructors can also track lesson completion in Pasela, using the Content Genome and Unit Progression sections to identify trends and areas for additional support. Reflecting on implementation helps evaluate instructional quality and student engagement, ensuring the program supports meaningful growth.

Question 38

Do you have recorded training videos?

Accepted Answer

While we don’t offer standalone recorded training videos, every Pasela license includes a self-paced orientation training series with modules covering the program and implementation, plus product-specific modules. Each module averages about 8 minutes, and most users complete the training, including optional certification, in just a couple of hours.

Question 39

Does the training include practice and implementation planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Live webinar and in-person training are highly interactive with hands-on experience (exploring materials, modeling lessons) with feedback.

Question 40

What strategies help establish a supportive learning environment?

Accepted Answer

The lessons establish a supportive learning environment by helping students build positive self-concepts, make responsible choices, and engage in respectful interactions. These strategies begin in the classroom and extend to influence students’ behavior and attitudes throughout the school community. Through consistent use of common language and reinforcement activities, students learn to apply what they practice in the classroom in hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, and other school settings. Additional tools, such as Words of the Week, ICU Boxes, and Celebration Forms, help reinforce and acknowledge positive behavior, contributing to a sustained supportive school environment.

Question 41

Is there training for administrators?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For a successful program, it is strongly recommended that site leaders be involved in the entire implementation process. Leaders are encouraged to attend staff orientation training and may schedule targeted sessions on leading implementation, which includes supporting fidelity, scheduling, monitoring, and planning sustainability.

Question 42

Are there Tier 2 and 3 interventions for students who need more support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Student screeners can be used to identify student needs and target lessons for additional support. The MTSS filter in the Lesson Explorer allows users to select lessons for Tier 1 or Tiers 2/3. Students receiving Tier 2 or Tier 3 support build on Tier 1 instruction with targeted lessons that address specific needs. For K–5, Bullying Prevention lessons can be used universally or in small groups, and for middle and high school, the Prevention Series can be applied in the same way. Schools can also engage families with the Family Kit to reinforce learning at home.

Question 43

How does the program ensure cultural and linguistic relevance?

Accepted Answer

The universal philosophy resonates across communities, and lessons are designed to be localized. Adapt names, examples, settings, and community references to reflect students' cultures while preserving objectives. Positive Action, Inc. uses a CI/CD (continual improvement/continual development) approach with the program ensuring content remains up to date and current. The program has been implemented successfully in all 50 U.S. states/territories and internationally.

Question 44

Has the program been evaluated with populations similar to ours?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trials in Hawaii and Chicago reported positive outcomes across a diverse range of student groups, including a range of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and other demographic backgrounds, such as students receiving free/reduced lunch and special education services. The Hawaii trial

Question 45

How should we make SEL adoption decisions that honor our students' cultures and languages?

Accepted Answer

Form a representative team, including student representatives; gather input (surveys/focus groups), review local data (languages, cultural assets, needs), and prepare a list of questions for the program developer to determine if a program meets your needs. Include questions on the ability to adapt names/examples while keeping objectives intact and available translations. Once implementation begins, schedule periodic check-ins with your team to gather feedback and adjust.

Question 46

Does Positive Action assist with collecting or analyzing data?

Accepted Answer

No. Positive Action, Inc. does not collect or analyze data for customers. Pasela, provides user (instructor) data with content genome and unit progression output for completed lessons, which users can share with their administration to aid local analysis.

Question 47

Is there a cost for review materials?

Accepted Answer

No. Demo access to preview the program content is available free of charge.

Question 48

How do I get an account and log in?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can create an account to access the Positive Action Family Lessons for free. To create an account, go to Pasela and click "Start FREE Trial Now" on the homepage. After signing up, you'll receive a welcome email from Pasela by Positive Action with a link to log in to the Pasela web platform. We recommend bookmarking the platform for easy access.

Question 49

How do I access the curriculum in Pasela?

Accepted Answer

Access to the Positive Action curriculum in Pasela is provided through organizational licensing. When your organization purchases licenses, Positive Action staff will onboard your team. You’ll then receive account access information, including a welcome email to set your password and a second email confirming the number of product licenses assigned to you.

Question 50

What user roles are supported?

Accepted Answer

Roles include administrators and teachers. Administrators are granted view-only licenses at no charge to provide instructor support. Teachers have full access to the product or products as designated by their administration.

Question 51

How do I reset my password?

Accepted Answer

Use the Forgot username or password link on the login page. If you are having trouble, email us at info@positiveaction for support.

Question 52

Is content downloadable for offline use?

Accepted Answer

Handouts, posters, and visual aids are downloadable to display, with many available to print. Full offline delivery is limited; a reliable internet connection is recommended.

Question 53

What are the technical requirements?

Accepted Answer

Use current versions of Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox on desktops/laptops and most tablets, with a reliable internet connection. If your network restricts access, ask your IT department to allow Pasela domains and asset hosts (allowlist available).

Question 54

Is Pasela accessible?

Accepted Answer

Pasela is accessible to educators who deliver lessons to students. The platform supports accessibility needs by providing digital resources, including posters, visual aids, scripts, and activity sheets, that can be projected, displayed, or enlarged, allowing teachers to adjust how they're used to support students with varying needs and classroom accommodations.

Question 55

How is data handled and protected?

Accepted Answer

We limit data collection to what's needed to deliver the service (e.g., account info, classes, usage, and if enabled, student activity responses). We use industry-standard security practices and do not sell personal data. See our Terms of Use for additional details. Data agreements are available upon request.

Question 56

How long is data retained, and can it be deleted?

Accepted Answer

Data retention follows contract terms and legal requirements. Data is deleted upon termination of an account. We support administrator-initiated data deletion requests per our policy.

Question 57

How do I get help with Pasela?

Accepted Answer

For help with the Pasela platform, use the Contact Us page on the website to call, email, or schedule a support webinar. The live chat feature is also available for quick questions or troubleshooting directly with a Program Consultant. Having a screenshot of the issue ready will help us resolve it more quickly.

Question 58

I didn't receive my welcome email. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Check your spam/junk, verify your email with your admin, and ensure your IT allows our domain. Contact us to request the welcome email to be resent or for further assistance.

Question 59

I'm seeing an access or permissions error.

Accepted Answer

Log out/in, confirm you're using the correct email, and verify your role with your admin. You can also try refreshing your page. If it persists, send a screenshot and the URL to info@positiveaction.net or use the live chat feature on the Positive Action website to connect with a Program Consultant.

Question 60

Content isn't loading correctly.

Accepted Answer

Try refreshing the page first. If the issue continues, clear your browser’s cache and try again. If the problem persists, try using a different browser. If you’re on a managed device, ask your IT team to allow Pasela domains and assets.

Question 61

Are there ways to save?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Discounts are offered based on volume and term of service. Reach out to a Program Consultant by using the Contact Us link for information on options and a detailed quote.

Question 62

What is the cost of training?

Accepted Answer

We offer different options for training. Pasela includes a self-paced orientation with every license and an optional certification. Live webinar and in-person training sessions are also available. See our Training Services for more details on the options and costs.

Question 63

Is there training for trainers or coaches?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Training-of-Trainers is available via live webinar or in-person. See our Training Services for more details on the length and costs.

Question 64

Are there differences in cost based on training location?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In-person training costs include travel expenses to and from your organization's location. Average travel costs are about $2,000 for a one-day training session, covering airfare, ground transportation, meals, and incidentals. The training service fee remains the same regardless of location. See our training services for detailed pricing information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Support

Implementation

Ordering

Training

Research

Pasela

General Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Support

What type of support is provided throughout the school year?Support

How do I reset my password?Support

How do I get help with Pasela?Support

I didn't receive my welcome email. What should I do?Support

I'm seeing an access or permissions error.Support

Content isn't loading correctly.Support

Implementation

How long is each lesson and how often do we teach?Implementation

Can Positive Action integrate with PBIS/MTSS?Implementation

Can students access materials online?Implementation

Are there student materials or journals?Implementation

What work will be required of teachers?Implementation

Will the program help build a common vocabulary?Implementation

Are there opportunities for practice?Implementation

Are there assessments to monitor fidelity and progress?Implementation

What strategies help establish a supportive learning environment?Implementation

Are there Tier 2 and 3 interventions for students who need more support?Implementation

Is content downloadable for offline use?Implementation

My students are really difficult to teach. Are you sure it will work for them? Implementation

The lessons are 15 minutes a day? What if I don't have that kind of time? Implementation

Ordering

How do we pilot the Positive Action program in our school/organization?Ordering

What is the cost of the program licenses and materials?Ordering

Are there recurring costs?Ordering

Is there a cost for review materials?Ordering

Are there ways to save?Ordering

How do we get pricing and quotes?Ordering

What payment methods are available?Ordering

How are print materials shipped, and do you accept returns?Ordering

What is your cancellation and refund policy?Ordering

What renewal options are available? Ordering

Does Positive Action ship internationally? Ordering

Training

Who should attend training?Training

How much training will staff need?Training

Are there prerequisites for training?Training

Do you have recorded training videos?Training

Does the training include practice and implementation planning?Training

Is there training for administrators?Training

What is the cost of training? Training

Is there training for trainers or coaches? Training

Are there differences in cost based on training location?Training

Research

What outcomes can we expect?Research

Are there evaluations about cultural/linguistic appropriateness?Research

Can you help interpret results and recommend improvements?Research

Has the program been evaluated with populations similar to ours?Research

Pasela

What is Pasela?Pasela

Can we connect to our LMS?Pasela

How do we add teachers and students?Pasela

Does Pasela support SSO?Pasela

How do I get an account and log in?Pasela

How do I access the curriculum in Pasela? Pasela

What user roles are supported?Pasela

What are the technical requirements?Pasela

Is Pasela accessible?Pasela

How is data handled and protected?Pasela

How long is data retained, and can it be deleted?Pasela