SEL Fallout

Posted on December 12, 2023 Written by

Here’s another update on how certain segments of the public are significantly misinformed about what Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is actually designed to do, or why many teachers consider this an important tool in today’s increasingly challenging classrooms.

This article also highlights the growing political fallout connected to SEL, and how some states are reacting to the public outcry from select groups by either revising SEL implementation or banning its use entirely.

Note: Searching “SEL” will bring up my previous posts on this topic that provide useful background as well as links to other resources and commentary.

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SEL Redux (cont.)

Posted on October 31, 2023 Written by

Our last post was a summary of various articles and resources about Social Emotional Learning that have been featured in this Blog over the past few years. Here are two more resources on this vital topic:

In March of 2022, HBO presented a five-part series that explored an actionable framework for implementing SEL concepts. It included a dynamic mix of storytelling, film and TV references, guest researcher appearances, and informative role-plays. Since this involved widespread national viewership, you may find it helpful to review what was presented.

On a more scholarly note, the Wallace Foundation worked with multiple researchers to explore several important aspects of SEL and it’s impact on children (2017). The resulting 178-page report, which includes extensive references, is a foundational reference for anyone interested in this topic.

The information contained in this (and the preceding) post can give you a much deeper understanding of this controversial topic, and better prepare you for responding to those who would remove this important tool from a compassionate educator’s toolbox.

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SEL Redux

Posted on October 17, 2023 Written by

We’ve discussed Social Emotional Learning before, but this topic is becoming increasingly important … especially since more and more politicians are trying to frame SEL as some sort of extremist conspiracy, and are passing legislation to ban its use in schools. But effective teachers and principals have always implemented some form of social/emotional training (self-awareness, empathy, resilience, etc.), going back to the earliest days of widespread public education.

By way of review, here are some previous articles where we’ve discussed this topic before and offered links to resources: here, here, here, and here. And with increasing shifts in societal norms, plus a significant rise in teen (and even pre-teen) suicide, this topic is even more important than ever.

Here’s the bottom line: If we don’t spend time now meeting childrens’ social/emotional needs, then we’ll spend time later dealing with the unacceptable behaviors caused by those unmet needs … some of which may end in tragedy.

Either way, we’ll have to spend the time. 

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SEL Helps Close Equity Gaps

Posted on June 28, 2022 Written by

Here’s another great SEL resource. This article shares one school’s experience with using Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to close equity gaps. In the words of the author, “Teaching SEL skills helps us address lack of motivation, problem behavior, and academic failure” (DeMarzo, 2022).

The article also includes a link to 10 ways for Schools to Gain Traction with SEL which outlines “best practice” recommendations from the experts.

Previous posts on this topic can be found here, here, and here.

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