Planning for Social Emotional Learning
Social emotional skills—such as understand our own skills and abilities, being able to manage our emotions and behavior, communicating effectively, negotiating conflict, caring about others, and making responsible decisions—are important to ongoing well-being and success. When districts and schools intentionally plan for how SEL will be taught, practiced, and reinforced in schools, students have better behavioral, social and academic outcomes.
Social emotional skills—such as understand our own skills and abilities, being able to manage our emotions and behavior, communicating effectively, negotiating conflict, caring about others, and making responsible decisions—are important to ongoing well-being and success. When districts and schools intentionally plan for how SEL will be taught, practiced, and reinforced in schools, students have better behavioral, social and academic outcomes.
Guiding Questions
- How can we plan for SEL that best meets our students’ needs in a meaningful, long-lasting way?
- What are some asset-based approaches to SEL that address the needs of our students and families in an equitable way?
| Strategies | Aligned Resources |
|---|---|
|
Create a shared SEL vision To integrate SEL in authentic and lasting ways, districts must provide schools with a shared vision, and ongoing guidance and support throughout implementation. Districts should customize solutions to address their specific needs, goals, and existing resources and adjust as needs change throughout the school year. |
For evidence based SEL supports appropriate for both district and school leaders, download this guide + Add to Action Plan by the Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety at WestEd. It provides resources that are fully integrated into the educational experiences of students, families, staff and the community. |
|
Utilize a continuous improvement cycle When districts implement continuous improvement cycles that include strategic planning, action, and monitoring they are more successful at integrating equity, social emotional well-being and academic excellence in ways that truly value all students and their communities and build conditions for healing and learning. |
Access this blueprint + Add to Action Plan from WestEd to create a continuous improvement cycle rooted in equity. The blueprint is founded on the belief that all students can succeed when learning is supported by equitable systems that leverage an asset-based approach that values diversity, rather than characterizing students and families by what they may need or lack. |