Social Emotional Learning

What is SEL?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) involves the processes through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

SEL programming is based on the understanding that the best learning emerges in the context of supportive relationships that make learning challenging, engaging and meaningful.

Social and emotional skills are critical to being a good student, citizen and worker; and many risky behaviors (e.g., drug use, violence, bullying and dropping out) can be prevented or reduced when multiyear, integrated efforts are used to develop students’ social and emotional skills. This is best done through effective classroom instruction; student engagement in positive activities in and out of the classroom; and broad parent and community involvement in program planning, implementation and evaluation. Effective SEL programming begins in preschool and continues through high school. (Retrieved September 23 2014 from www.casel.org/)

How Can We Help?

The SEL Helping Team will assist district and school staff to develop the knowledge and skills to support the SEL needs of all students at the Tier One (School and Classroom) and Tier Two (Small Group) levels of Intervention.  We can help school teams explore and develop skills to promote the 5 core Competencies of SEL:

Self-Awareness          Self-management          Social-Awareness          Relationship skills          Responsible Decision-making

The SEL Team works out of the CORE building and can be reached by calling the main office at 604-504-4610.