SEL News!

• Social-emotional learning concepts and skills will be taught in grades K-12 on a daily basis through our Positive Action Curriculum. 
• Our Positive Action program will be utilized by our school counselors throughout the school year to target skills via small groups.

What is Social-Emotional Learning?  

“The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a trusted source for knowledge about high-quality, evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL). CASEL supports educators and policy leaders and enhances the experiences and outcomes for all PreK-12 students" (CASEL, 2021).  

CASEL defines social-emotional learning concepts and outcomes for students, families, and staff members 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" (CASEL, 2021).  

Social-Emotional Learning Skills and Concepts 

Self-Awareness: "The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts. This includes capacities to recognize one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose."

Skills Include: 

• Integrating personal and social identities 

• Identifying personal, cultural, and linguistic assets 

• Identifying one’s emotions 

• Demonstrating honesty and integrity 

• Linking feelings, values, and thoughts 

• Examining prejudices and biases 

• Experiencing self-efficacy 

• Having a growth mindset 

• Developing interests and a sense of purpose 

Self-Management: "The abilities to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations. This includes the capacities to delay gratification, manage stress, and feel motivation and agency to accomplish personal and collective goals."

Skills Include: 

• Managing one’s emotions 

• Identifying and using stress management strategies 

• Exhibiting self-discipline and self-motivation 

• Setting personal and collective goals 

• Using planning and organizational skills 

• Showing the courage to take initiative 

• Demonstrating personal and collective agency 

Social Awareness: "The abilities to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. This includes the capacities to feel compassion for others, understand broader historical and social norms for behavior in different settings, and recognize family, school, and community resources and supports."

Skills Include: 

• Taking others’ perspectives 

• Recognizing strengths in others 

• Demonstrating empathy and compassion 

• Showing concern for the feelings of others 

• Understanding and expressing gratitude 

• Identifying diverse social norms, including unjust ones 

• Recognizing situational demands and opportunities 

• Understanding the influences of organizations and systems on behavior 

Relationship Skills: "The abilities to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups. This includes the capacities to communicate clearly, listen actively, cooperate, work collaboratively to problem solve and negotiate conflict constructively, navigate settings with differing social and cultural demands and opportunities, provide leadership, and seek or offer help when needed."

Skills Include: 

• Communicating effectively 

• Developing positive relationships 

• Demonstrating cultural competency 

• Practicing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving 

• Resolving conflicts constructively 

• Resisting negative social pressure 

• Showing leadership in groups 

• Seeking or offering support and help when needed 

• Standing up for the rights of others 

Responsible Decision-Making: "The abilities to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. This includes the capacities to consider ethical standards and safety concerns, and to evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being."

Skills Include: 

• Demonstrating curiosity and open-mindedness 

• Learning how to make a reasoned judgment after analyzing information, data, and facts 

• Identifying solutions for personal and social problems 

• Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions 

• Recognizing how critical thinking skills are useful both inside and outside of school 

• Reflecting on one’s role to promote personal, family, and community well-being  

• Evaluating personal, interpersonal, community, and institutional impacts 

(CASEL, 2021)  

For more information on SEL concepts and research: https://casel.org/