On March 23, 2023 Pathways to Resilience hosted a Learning Network session focused on how school districts are using social and emotional learning (SEL) to create inclusive learning environments and teach skills like self-awareness, self-regulation, relationship building, and responsible decision making. The session featured Andy Tucker, Director of Policy for the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL); Tanya Albornoz, Education Coordinator for the Utah State Board of Education; and Emily Arkfeld, Social-Emotional and Behavioral Learning (SEBL) Specialist for Nebraska’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (NeMTSS). The speakers discussed fundamental SEL principles along with lessons learned from their experience implementing and communicating about SEL.

What is Social and Emotional Learning?

CASEL defines SEL as “the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” Research has shown that SEL improves academic performance and equips students with the skills that employers are looking for in the workplace. SEL concepts are currently being taught in schools and at home and are supported by the vast majority of parents and teachers as an evidence-based best practice. SEL can also help students exposed to trauma build positive relationships and strengthen protective factors.

During the session, the speakers shared the following best practices for implementing SEL:

Provide training and support for teachers

Helping teachers develop SEL skills will facilitate effective incorporation of SEL principles in the classroom. Training can also help teachers integrate SEL into their curriculum instead of seeing it as an additional item they need to squeeze into the school day.

Develop a shared understanding of SEL

Establishing a common understanding and language around SEL is key to communicating about its goals and benefits. In 2022, the Utah State Board of Education released a technical assistance document defining SEL and the outcomes it seeks to achieve to assist local education agencies in implementing SEL.

Engage with community partners to achieve buy-in

The academic, social, and economic benefits of SEL resonate with a broad audience and should be clearly communicated. Business leaders and policymakers can be engaged to support the workplace and leadership skills that SEL helps young people develop. School districts can affirm the shared understanding of SEL while also seeking out input from parents and students to inform implementation priorities.

Align SEL with existing initiatives and systems

SEL can be integrated into ongoing projects and initiatives at the district and state level focused on workforce readiness, mental health, and school climate. Utah’s SEL guidance is informed by the state’s Portrait of a Graduate framework, which identifies the ideal characteristics a student possesses after going through the K-12 system. Nebraska’s work falls under its Multi-Tiered System of Support framework, which supports school districts’ continuous improvement and whole child efforts.

Early Childhood Court Resources

    Watch the full Pathways Learning Network session below. Pathways to Resilience will continue to amplify strategies for promoting healing and resilience in the education sector and share resources to provide guidance to states seeking to implement similar approaches.