The purpose of this evaluation is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cool Kids social skills program. Fister, Conrad, and Kemp (1998) created this program as a way to teach students basic and specific social skills that would allow them to succeed both academically and socially. Entering a school social environment is a meaningful and foundational experience for children. Elementary-age students must successfully transition from established, comfortable social interactions with caregivers to explicit and implicit rules and social interactions in a school setting. Being able to successfully make this transition with teachers and classmates is often the key to a successful school experience (Dereli 2009). Early behavioral problems in children put them at risk for serious academic problems such as failing school and dropping out of school. Not only is a student's behavior significantly correlated with grades, but inadequate social skills have also been found to increase vulnerability to depression and social anxiety. Furthermore, one of the most crucial findings was the correlation between poor social skills, aggression and violent behavior. Studies show that 10% of school-age children entering the education system each year show a prevalence of aggressive behavior problems; for socio-economically disadvantaged children it can be up to 25% (January and Casey, 2011). Studies highlight the fact that a valuable and economical means of interrupting the progression of behavioral problems in children is to intervene with social skills education. when they are young and more impressionable (Webster-Stratton & Reid, 2004). While educators would like to focus only on academics, social-emotional growth appears to have...... middle of paper ......l.Second, few studies have followed teaching staff and their loyalty to specific social skills programs. The use of triangulation in classroom observation would be a strong improvement as a way not only to verify teacher fidelity to the program but to confirm reports of changes in classroom behavior. The question is: To what extent is Cool Kids associated with higher teacher ratings of social competence and lower ratings of antisocial behavior for elementary-aged students? Multiple observers would be the best way to answer this question. Works Cited Dereli, E. (2009). Examining the permanence of the effect of a social skills training program on the acquisition of social problem-solving skills. Social Behavior and Personality, 37(10), 1419-1428. Fister, S., Conrad, D., Kemp, K. (1998). Great guys; A proactive approach to social responsibility. Longmont: Sopris West.