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Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

WHAT IS SEL?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development.

SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions (CASEL)Supporting students' social, emotional, and cognitive development relates positively to our mission of teaching and learning and measures of success including attendance, grades, test scores graduation rates, success in college and career, more engaged citizenship, and better overall well-being.

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What does the research say about SEL?

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the foremost organization in promoting SEL, states that "The benefits of social and emotional learning (SEL) are well-researched, with evidence demonstrating that an education that promotes SEL yields positive outcomes for students, adults, and school communities.  The findings below come from hundreds of independent studies across multiple fields and sources that show SEL leads to beneficial outcomes related to: social and emotional skills, academic performance, mental wellness, healthy behaviors, school climate and safety, and lifetime outcomes."

They also list some specific benefits such as:

  • SEL interventions that addressed the five core competencies increased students' academic performance by 11 percentile points, compared to students who did not participate.
  • The positive impact on academics lasts long-term: Years after students participated in SEL, the academic performance was an average of 13 percentile points higher than students who didn't participate.
  • Participation in SEL programs is linked to decreased emotional distress, more positive attitudes about self and others, and fewer externalizing behaviors and discipline problems.
  • Students with stronger social and emotional skills are more likely to reach milestones including: high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment and completion and stable, full-time employment.
  • Analysis of six evidence-based programs has demonstrated that the benefits significantly outweigh the costs, estimating for every dollar invested in SEL there is an $11 return.

Resources for Educators, Parents, and Our Community

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS