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 Skills That Impact Academic Success

Posted on January 4, 2022 Written by

According to a study of students in eleven countries (including the U.S.), curiosity and persistence are the strongest predictors of academic success in math and reading. The study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is the first major global assessment of students’ social and emotional skills, and it looked at five key areas:

  • Task performance (such as persistence, and self-control),
  • Emotional regulation (such as optimism and reaction to stress)
  • Collaboration (like empathy and trust)
  • Open-mindedness (such as tolerance, curiosity, and creativity)
  • Engagement with others 

One of the most surprising findings was that across countries and socioeconomic backgrounds, 15-year-olds showed lower social-emotional skills than 10-year-olds did. This may have significant implications for those who work with teenagers.

This article (complete with graphs) outlines the findings. More information on the study itself can be found here.

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Social-Emotional Learning

Posted on November 10, 2020 Written by

Students need to develop strong social-emotional skills to thrive in school, career, and life. Test scores matter, but do your students have the SEL training they need to succeed?

The current U.S. Department of Education budget sets aside dedicated funds for education initiatives that support social-emotional learning programs. For information on their programs and grants, visit their Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety.

In addition, ASCD is now offering free resources to Support Social-Emotional Learning. These are designed to help students:

  • regulate their emotions,
  • manage stress,
  • cooperate with others,
  • set and achieve goals,
  • teach self-awareness, and
  • build self-confidence.

According to research by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, social-emotional learning helps students to be “twice as likely to attain a college degree in early adulthood; 54% more likely to earn a high school diploma; and 46% more likely to have a full-time job at the age of 25.”*

The resources above should give you a great start on providing this important training for your staff and helping your students develop these vital skills.

* Research from “Early Social-Emotional Functioning and Public Health: The Relationship Between Kindergarten Social Competence and Future Wellness,” published on October 09, 2015, in American Journal of Public Health.

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