Teachers, speech-language pathologists, clinicians, behavior specialists, and parents are using our expansive collection of curricula, books, games, and visual supports to improve social, emotional, and academic learning for all. Our work supports individuals’ social, emotional & academic learning, whether neurotypical or Neurodivergent, with or without diagnoses. By integrating SEL into family routines, parents can reinforce the skills children are learning at school and deepen their emotional intelligence in a safe, loving environment. It’s a place where students feel safe enough to take academic risks and supported enough to navigate social challenges. Just like we wouldn’t teach algebra to a first-grader, our approach to social-emotional learning has to meet kids where they are, developmentally.

By integrating SEL into civic learning, students have opportunities to develop the skills and relationships needed to participate as caring and engaged members of their local community and the broader society. But when it is co-opted by political agendas, students risk losing out on an education that will help them succeed in school and in life. Through comparative analysis with other prominent learning theories, the article establishes SEL’s unique contribution to education and personal development.

Responsible decision-making

“Their voices are so essential to the conversation.” Here are steps she says educators can take to share accurate information and real stories about social and emotional learning. Similar percentages view the term “social and emotional learning” positively. The Student Wellbeing external programs catalogue ensures schools can easily access quality assured student wellbeing programs that contribute to improved learning, wellbeing and life outcomes for students. CASEL’s research demonstrates the potential schools have in supporting young people’s social and emotional well-being in times of crisis as well as responding to pressing global social issues. Journalist Paul Tough popularized the ideas for social-emotional learning in his 2012 best seller, “How Children Succeed,” and the programs spread https://www.pacesconnection.com/g/california-aces-action/blog/the-growing-battle-over-school-mental-health-and-social-emotional-learning?reply=538679547617369177 nationally. Sometimes students learned about social and emotional skills during a once-a-week advisory session for a year.

Develop SEL Instructional Skills at Augusta University

To act with empathy and in an ethical manner within your home, school, and community. The ability to put yourself in the shoes of another person who may be from a different background or culture from the one you grew up with. ” Think back to when you were in school and the subjects that caused you the most frustration. Social Emotional Learning (SEL), what is it, and why does it matter to educators? 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. Personalized books offer the additional benefit of seeing oneself as the protagonist, which research suggests increases engagement and memory encoding.

• The Devereux Student Strengths Assessment and four-item accompanying screener, the DESSA-Mini, are behavior rating scales for elementary school-age children (K-8), completed by parents and/or teachers.
• Most of the studies fall under the banner of empirical research (39), indicating a strong hold on the experimental approach.
• Instead of reacting impulsively, students learn strategies such as breathing, problem-solving, or asking for help.
• Fostering empathy here is a game-changer for creating a kind and inclusive school community.

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SEL programs should never replace mental health treatment when it’s needed, but they’re a powerful complement to it. However, research shows that intentional, structured approaches accelerate development. Parents don’t need special certification or expertise to support SEL at home. They’re building self-efficacy—the belief that they can handle challenging situations. When a child sees themselves successfully managing fear or resolving conflict, they’re not just entertained.

Applied research that describes interventions, programmes and policies geared towards promoting SEL and that can inform educational practices is then presented. From an equity perspective, ensuring that every child has access to SEL requires a systemic approach and a strong commitment from those responsible for formulating educational policies. The discussion focuses on the value of measuring teachers’ beliefs about SEL from both researcher and practitioner perspectives.