Social-Emotional Learning
Social-Emotional Learning
What is social-emotional learning (SEL)?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process 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.
What are the competency skills of social-emotional development?
Competencies include self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness (Please see the graphic to the right for more information).
What steps is the district taking to address Social-emotional learning?
The district adopted a definition of what it means to educate the whole child. The Pascagoula-Gautier School District educates the whole child by creating a student-centered school culture that addresses students’ physical, social, emotional, and academic needs by creating a safe and healthy learning environment in which students are challenged, supported, and engaged.
Steps in Implementing Effective SEL:
- Allot the time required to implement the program sufficiently and effectively
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Extend SEL beyond the classroom.
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Apply SEL strategies and skills in real-time.
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Ensure sufficient staff support and training
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Facilitate program ownership and buy-in
- Use data to inform decision-making.
What are the benefits of SEL?
As is displayed in the graphic below, there are largely academic and social-emotional gains when schools implement SEL practices, and reductions in the risks for failure. In addition, social-emotional learning provides students with many of the skills employers consider critical to success on the job and predicts employment and wages.