How five educators approach SEL

Key points:

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of today's schools. Through SEL, students learn how to manage and regulate their emotions, identify and overcome difficult feelings, and serve as a foundation that supports students' personal and academic achievements.

There are many resources to guide SEL implementations in districts and schools (CASEL It is a good starting point). Below is a look at how five educators are addressing SEL integration in their districts, schools, and classrooms.

For the past two years, the Tempe Union High School District has focused its attention on prioritizing student mental health, writes Dr. Kevin J. Mendivil, the district's superintendent. District leaders and educators took several steps to establish strong mental health supports, including asking student representatives what social-emotional support they and their fellow students needed, and partnering with Care Solace to coordinate mental health care for students. needs that exceed the scope of school services. and normalizing conversations about mental health, which is one of the district's most important achievements. Learn more about how the district actively supports student mental health and SEL.

Bullying is always a difficult topic to address, but Alabama students faced that challenge head-on when they participated in the PACER Center program. National Bullying Prevention Center, which engages and empowers children to combat bullying in all its forms. Through Students with Solutions Contest, fifth grade students in Dr. Yuvraj Verma's Birmingham City School System classroom worked together to raise awareness about bullying and encourage children to actively participate in addressing this issue. This challenge amplified their voices and allowed them to inspire and support each other, creating a united front against bullying. This is how Dr. Verma guided the students.

With increased awareness of students' mental health needs, many districts are examining how to elevate the impact of school counselors. With increased awareness of student mental health and the need for student support, many districts are asking: How do we elevate the impact of our school counselors? Here's how Livingston High School in rural California did just that. Alma López, lead school counselor at California's Livingston High School and 2022 School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association, offers insight and advice for other schools looking to improve the reach of school counselors and, in turn, improve student results.

SEL skills are essential to successfully navigate academic and non-academic environments, and are critical to improving outcomes. However, for SEL instruction to be effective, educators must create a welcoming and inclusive learning culture for all. It is unrealistic to ask students to develop understanding and empathy for diverse people and perspectives if their own needs and perspectives are not valued and supported within the classroom environment. Educators must practice and model these ideals for themselves if they expect students to acquire them. Implementing culturally responsive teaching practices, incorporating UDL into the learning design process, and creating accessibility into each learning experience are three critical components. Read more here, as George Hanshaw is the Director of eLearning Operations at Los Angeles Pacific Universityexplains his school's approach.

Damion Morgan, social-emotional learning specialist for Windsor Public Schools, points out the importance of before- and after-school programs — the bookends of the school day. Before and after school programs offer critical support, including caring and supportive mentors, as well as safe spaces where students develop confidence and a sense of belonging. They also provide opportunities to work collaboratively, solve problems, and think critically. SEL skills are not separate from those activities: SEL is not sprinkled on the cupcake; It's part of the cake. Before and after school programs should make each interaction more intentional to complement classroom learning. But to ensure these programs are set up for success, there are two essential questions every program coordinator should ask themselves: “How well do I know my students?” and “How can I make sure my program meets your needs?” Learn more about the district's strategy to integrate SEL into before and after school programs.

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of eSchool Media. She graduated from the prestigious Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

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