One main concern is
reference bias, or the effect of survey respondents»
reference points on their answers.37 Students, for example, attending competitive schools often rate themselves as having less self -
control or as less hardworking because of their schools» rigorous expectations.38 Accordingly, some experts caution that using SEL to classify schools could ultimately punish high - performing schools while rewarding low - performing schools.39 Additionally,
teachers may misinterpret behavior, erroneously rely on first impressions, or incorrectly equate their opinion of a student with the student's social - emotional skills.40