Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments: Benefits for Students and Staff
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) encompasses a range of vital competencies essential for the growth and development of both students and adults. Drawing from the research of Daniel Goleman and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), SEL involves the recognition and effective management of emotions, problem-solving skills, empathy and perspective-taking, the establishment of positive relationships, and the ability to make responsible decisions.
Understanding the Complexities: Noncognitive Skills and Academic Performance
Noncognitive factors, as identified by educational research, play a significant role in academic outcomes. These factors, including mindsets, perseverance, behaviors, learning strategies, and social skills, are traits that are believed to be malleable and capable of enhancing overall outcomes. However, the field of noncognitive research is still relatively new, and further studies are required to fully understand the traits and skills that lead to improved and sustained performance. It is crucial to have longitudinal data that extends beyond intervention to validate the results obtained.
It is worth noting that academic outcomes are influenced by numerous other factors, such as poverty, food insecurity, income inequality, access to healthcare, and economic opportunities, beyond just noncognitive factors. While noncognitive skills are valuable tools for navigating life’s challenges, they alone cannot solve all problems.
Nevertheless, there are tangible benefits for students and staff when schools prioritize the creation of safe and supportive learning environments. Although direct evidence of significant achievement gains may not be available, there is a consensus that social and emotional learning is a worthwhile pursuit.
Social and Emotional Learning: Fostering Essential Competencies
CASEL, a leading organization in SEL, supports districts, schools, and states across the nation in research, practice, and policy development. Building on Daniel Goleman’s work on Emotional Intelligence, CASEL has developed a framework of competencies that operationalize SEL. The competencies include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Social & Emotional Learning Competencies
The competencies and lesson plans below form the basis for a year-long school program, with monthly lessons designed specifically for middle school students. Guiding questions can be used throughout the year to reinforce the concepts learned in each lesson.
Self Awareness
Self Management
Social Awareness
Relationship Skills
Responsible Decision-Making
SEL Focused Organizations
Social and Emotional Learning is not a one-size-fits-all approach and should be tailored to the unique characteristics of each environment. While there are common principles and practices that underlie excellent SEL programs, interventions should be customized to suit the needs of students, staff, and the specific context of the school.
Various organizations focus on implementing SEL programs, offering both pre-designed and customizable approaches. It is important to assess your setting and students to craft a program that aligns with your specific requirements.
Regardless of the chosen approach, the most crucial step is to initiate an SEL program in any form as it marks the best starting point for progress.
Below are a few of the leading organizations in Social and Emotional Learning.
