More than just a "buzzword"

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a holistic approach to learning that recognizes how emotional intelligence aids student success.

By focusing on skills like empathy, open communication and stress management, SEL helps students not only in the classroom but also in life. In fact, a 2019 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development report found that students with fewer SEL competencies have an "increased chance of unemployment, poor health, divorce, and criminal behavior.” 

Helping students reach their full potential

Best of all, SEL has proven remarkably adaptable in many kinds of classrooms.

According to a CASEL® survey, 95% of teacher respondents said that SEL skills are teachable and that they benefit students from varied backgrounds. Importantly, SEL can help students succeed and reach their full potential because it:      

• Reduces Bullying: SEL work can reduce aggression and distress between students and foster more positive attitudes toward school. In a School Psychology survey study, researchers looking at 39 middle and high schools in Delaware found that “four competencies commonly targeted in SEL programs — self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and social relationships — differentiated associations with adolescents’ cyberbullying victimization experience” and helped students choose beneficial behaviors toward one another. These programs teach students to recognize and manage emotions, develop empathy for others and establish positive relationships. 
• Supports Mental Health: SEL equips students with tools and resources to address mental health challenges. As noted by the Committee for Children, “Teaching mindfulness, coping skills, communication skills, relaxation techniques, self-regulation, and emotion identification and management equips learners with tools and resources to address mental health challenges that interfere with learning.” 
• Improves Academic Performance: An independent study that CASEL® sponsored showed that “SEL interventions … increased students’ academic performance by 11 percentile points …” Furthermore, this benefit is long lasting! Students with SEL training tend to perform, on average, “13 percentile points higher than students who didn’t participate.” 
• Prepares Students for Real-World Challenges: SEL equips students with skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration. Not only are these skills essential for navigating the classroom, they also help people handle the complexities of daily life and the 21st-century workforce.

Creating compassionate learning communities

By focusing on the whole child, SEL helps students reach their full potential in both academics and life.

However, only 12% of U.S. districts measure SEL skill development, and 77% of educators say their schools or districts are barely assisting students using SEL skills. As educators continue to recognize the importance of SEL, they must also ensure that SEL-based initiatives are accessible to all students. Every child deserves a more inclusive and compassionate learning environment that truly prepares them for the future. 

Want to learn more about SEL resources?