CHICAGO – This week, the The United States Senate presented a bipartisan resolution designating March 4 to 8, 2024 as ''National Social and emotional learning (SEL) Week'' to recognize the critical role SEL plays in supporting the academic success and overall well-being of students, educators, and families. The resolution was introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
president joe biden also recognized “National SEL Week” in a letter this week that underscores the importance of SEL in supporting the academic, social, emotional, and mental well-being of students that were a critical part of the Biden Administration's two signature legislative achievements: the American Rescue. Plan Act and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
This second annual “National SEL Week” comes at a critical time for students' academic recovery and social and emotional development. With COVID relief funds ending, educational leaders are increasingly seeking robust, evidence-based investments in student learning and development.
A strong body of evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of SEL on academic outcomes. TO 2023 meta-analysis Led by Yale University reviewed more than 400 studies and found that students who participated in SEL in school had higher “school functioning,” including grades, test scores, attendance, homework completion, and engagement. Research further demonstrates that SEL creates better conditions for learning, as it found that students saw decreases in aggression and bullying, anxiety, stress, depression, and suicidality; they felt safer in schools and reported higher levels of inclusion, connection, and healthy relationships.
Statement by United States Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL)
“In the United States, we face a national youth mental health crisis, and children face significant trauma and stress in the home, community, and school environment. We must focus on social and emotional learning to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. That starts by giving teachers the tools necessary to help students develop life skills. “I introduce this resolution to designate this week as National Social and Emotional Learning Week and raise awareness about the need to support the social and emotional well-being of students.”
Statement by U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
“Every child deserves a learning environment that is welcoming and nurturing. By showing students how to develop their empathy skills, express themselves, and respect others, social and emotional learning can help students achieve academic success, build strong relationships, and prepare for a life of success.”
Statement from CASEL President and CEO Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel
”We find ourselves in the wake of a global pandemic, a youth mental health crisis, and an ongoing academic recovery. Social and emotional learning has never been more important to help address the challenges our students face, and this bipartisan resolution demonstrates our nation's shared commitment to the learning and well-being of all students. “I want to thank Senators Durbin and Collins for their leadership and call on leaders across the country to follow the evidence and support the academic, social and emotional needs of students.”
Celebrating National SEL Week 2024
Across the country, there is overwhelming support and demand for social and emotional learning (SEL). Youth, educators, families, business leaders, and others focus on the critical skills and environments necessary for academic success, healthy relationships, and brighter futures. National SEL Week It is a time to come together in support of our nation's students and show the powerful combination of support and evidence for SEL, culminating in International SEL Day The 8th of March.
This year's celebrations of National SEL Week and International SEL Day focused on Today's students, tomorrow's leaders. To see how some districts celebrate, watch this video from North Carolina and this story of New Jersey.
CASEL is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that founded the field of social and emotional learning. Today, we collaborate with leading experts and districts, schools, and states across the country to advance research, guide practice, and inform policy. https://casel.org/
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