SIMBLI - Renewal of ReThinkED Autism, Inc. Agenda Item 05.04.2026

Renewal: ReThink Autism, Inc.

Requested Action
It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the renewal to
purchase Rethink Autism, Inc. High School Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum for an
amount not to exceed $99,654.00.

Summary
Districts implementing RethinkEd’s SEL solutions curriculum with fidelity can expect to
achieve positive outcomes, including:
   •    Fewer Discipline Referrals: In a study with 21,259 students, those who engaged in
        the RethinkEd SEL platform showed significantly more improvement in all SEL
        competencies compared to the students who did not.
   •    Higher Academic Achievement Scores: SEL skills are conducive to learning; students
        who can self-regulate, focus, and deal with stress have better academic outcomes.
   •    Increased Attendance: Implementing SEL can improve attendance by encouraging
        prosocial behaviors that create a sense of community and make all students feel
        welcome and engaged.
   •    Fewer Suspensions & Expulsions: RethinkEd lessons reduce the risk of problem
        behaviors like fighting and bullying that lead to suspensions and expulsions.
   •    Bullying Prevention: Helping students manage emotions reduces the risk of impulsive
        and aggressive behaviors and fosters a culture of trust where students support each
        other.
   •    Increased College and Career Readiness: RethinkEd provides tools for students that
        strengthen their emotional intelligence in preparation for higher
        education, employment and adulthood. Our SEL and Mental Wellness Solutions help
        students develop the skills that lead to success after graduation.
   •    Equitable & Inclusive Learning Community: RethinkEd’s culturally sensitive
        curriculum embraces diversity and is accessible to all learners.

The RethinkEd SEL curriculum is an excellent program for our high school students and
teachers, offering a comprehensive approach to developing essential social and emotional
skills. For students, it fosters emotional resilience, positive relationships, and responsible
decision-making, preparing them for success both in and beyond the classroom. For
teachers, it supports a positive learning environment, enhances classroom management, and
promotes professional growth. By integrating RethinkEd, we can cultivate a supportive
school culture that empowers students and teachers to thrive.

Details
The RethinkEd SEL Curriculum for high schools is aligned with the DeKalb County School
District's (DCSD) Student Code of Conduct and Culture and Climate Strategic Plan Goals.
In DCSD, our goal is to empower students to grow emotionally, socially, and academically by
providing targeted interventions and facilitating the development of essential life skills.
Through this program, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate a positive change
in attitude and behavior with the support of educators providing targeted interventions and
employing various approaches to address disciplinary incidents. We strive to transform
challenges into opportunities for personal growth and successfully reintegrate high school
students into the school community with renewed confidence and resilience.
Implementation of the high school RethinkEd SEL Program will help the district achieve the
following goals:
           • Decrease instruction time loss.
           • Decrease out-of-school (OSS) for students.
           • Decrease in-school suspension (ISS) for students.
           • Improve students’ social emotional skills.
           • Improve student academic and behavior outcomes.
           • Decrease behavior referrals/suspensions.
           • Increase the fidelity of behavior intervention support practices.
           • Improve student attendance rates.

Supporting Documents



   •         RethinkEd - Safe and Caring Classrooms -
       Behavior PD v1.2 20230214



   •         RethinkEd_Infraction to SEL Matrix



   •
       RethinkEd_MentalHealth_Lessons_and_Objectives



   •         RethinkEd certificate of Liability Insurance 05.04.2026



   •         RethinkEd Independent Contract Agreement
       (2026-2027 SY)


Financial Impact
The annual cost to renew the RethinkEd Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum
shall not exceed $99,654.00 and will be paid from Purchased Prof/Tech Services account
code: 100.2100.530000.00011.7560.9990.8010.090.0000.

Contacts
Dr. Kishia K. Towns, Chief, Division of Wrap Around Services, (678) 676-1913
Dr. Darnell Logan, Director of Student Relations, Student Relations Department, (770) 656-
0185
Ms. Brandy Woolridge, PBIS Coordinator II, Student Relations Department, (678) 218-2154
Quick Summary / Abstract
Presented by:
Dr. Kishia Towns, Chief, Division of Wrap Around Services
Dr. Darnell Logan, Director of Student Relations, Division of Wrap Around Services
Mrs. Brandy Woolridge, PBIS Coordinator II, Student Relations, Division of Wrap Around
Services

Rationale
The DeKalb County School District requires a robust and comprehensive social-emotional
learning (SEL) curriculum for high school students, which can also support the In-School
Suspension (ISS) Intervention Program. The RethinkEd Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Solution equips students with critical SEL skills essential for success in school and life.

Implementation Date(s)
Upon Board approval.

Cognia Standards
Standard 4: Resources and Support Systems
Standard 5: Using Results for Continuous Improvement

Status
Pending approval from the Office of Legal Affairs.

Goals
   •    4. Strategic Goal Area: Culture and Climate