Indicator: Self-efficacy
Definition
Students believe in their ability to achieve an outcome or reach a goal.
RECOMMENDED METRIC(S)
- K–12: Percentage of students reporting a high level of self-efficacy on surveys such as the CORE Districts Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Survey self-efficacy scale
- Postsecondary and workforce: Percentage of individuals reporting a high level of self-efficacy on surveys such as the New General Self-Efficacy Scale or Ascend survey’s Self-Efficacy Scale
Type(s) of Data Needed
SurveysWhy it matters
Self-efficacy is a strong predictor of college grade point average (GPA) and persistence, with additional predictive power beyond socioeconomic status and prior achievement. Students who report higher self-efficacy earn higher GPAs and score higher on math and English language arts tests. Higher levels of self-efficacy in math—students’ belief in their capacity to successfully execute math-related tasks—have also been linked to the likelihood of attending college and choosing a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field. Self-efficacy tends to decline over time for students of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, but economically disadvantaged students consistently report lower rates of self-efficacy than more economically advantaged students, as do students of color compared to White students. Like other social-emotional skills, self-efficacy can be fostered in classrooms and through interventions.
What to know about measurement
As indicated above, several survey tools exist to measure this indicator and related constructs. We have identified and suggested tools with an evidence base; however, other instruments may also be appropriate to measure this indicator, though the use of different instruments across contexts would reduce comparability of this indicator. Please see information on the self-management indicator for additional considerations regarding the measurement of social-emotional skills.
E-W Case Studies
Source frameworks
This indicator appeared in five source frameworks reviewed for this report. Our proposed definition and measure align with the CORE Districts definition of self-efficacy. Broadly, we have opted to align with—and build on—CORE Districts SEL indicators, given the evidence base for their predictive power and instrumentation.
References
The framework's recommendations are based on syntheses of existing research. Please see the framework report for a list of works cited.