How Can We Measure Social-Emotional Learning More Accurately? With Jeremy Taylor of The Possible Zone
September 18, 2025
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa sits down with Jeremy Taylor, Chief Research and Evaluation Officer at The Possible Zone. Together, they explore how social-emotional learning (SEL) and STEM education intersect with cutting-edge data collection, unpacking why surveys still matter, but also why they're not enough, especially when you're trying to measure complex skills, teamwork, and problem-solving.
In this episode of Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast, host Marta Costa sits down with Jeremy Taylor, Chief Research and Evaluation Officer at The Possible Zone. Together, they explore how social-emotional learning (SEL) and STEM education intersect with cutting-edge data collection, unpacking why surveys still matter, but also why they're not enough, especially when you're trying to measure complex skills, teamwork, and problem-solving.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to blend traditional surveys with behavioral data collection for more accurate measurement of student development
- Why certain social-emotional competencies are better measured through surveys, while others require behavioral observation
- The role of digital footprints in tracking student engagement and skill development with technology
- How to leverage AI and language models to analyze qualitative student feedback and assess competencies
- How to create effective measurement rubrics that align with specific learning competencies
- Why regular data reflection sessions with educators and students drive program improvements
Jeremy Taylor is the Chief Research and Evaluation Officer at The Possible Zone, where he leads innovative approaches to measuring social-emotional learning and youth development outcomes. With a background as a clinical child psychologist and self-described "data geek," he brings unique expertise to the intersection of youth development, STEM education, and data analytics. In his six years with the organization, Taylor has pioneered the use of multimodal assessment methods, including digital footprint analysis and AI-driven evaluation tools, to measure student growth beyond traditional surveys.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources:
- Jeremy Taylor on LinkedIn
- The Possible Zone Website
- Marta Costa on LinkedIn
- Dobility Website
- SurveyCTO Website
- Apply for the 2025 SurveyCTO Primary Data Collection Research Grant
Episode Highlights
- 0:00 Intro
- 0:55 What Is The Possible Zone?
- 2:00 Why SEL Surveys Matter
- 4:13 Behavioral Data and Digital Footprints
- 7:54 Measuring Social-Emotional Growth
- 9:52 Matching Methods to Outcomes
- 14:56 Turning Data into Action
- 20:29 Tools and Advice for Measuring SEL
Survey & Beyond: The Data Collection Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Check out our most downloaded episode:
- From Data to Insights: Andrew Gerhardt on Mastering Digital Analytics
- Transforming Communities through Data: Insights from Paul Nzerebende of Human Trafficking Institute
- Creating Impactful Data Stories with Lara Mikhail of USAID Egyptian Pioneers