As we move beyond the worst of COVID-19’s disruptions to education, SEL is increasingly embedded into the work of school districts. But many questions remain on how to implement a successful SEL curriculum, how to prioritize SEL instruction, determining the program’s audience and how many resources should be dedicated to SEL.
If you’re launching or deepening the SEL curriculum at your school or district, start by establishing clear goals and objectives. Determine what you want to achieve through the social-emotional learning program. Consider what specific mindsets you wish to promote and what specific outcomes you hope to see as a result.
Keep in mind the following tips:
1. Engage the whole school community in SEL
A successful social-emotional learning program requires buy-in and support from everyone involved, including teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members. The most successful SEL implementations almost exclusively include instruction for faculty and staff in addition to students.
An SEL approach focused on the entire school community can result in an improved culture for all. Administrators should put as much importance in terms of time, planning SEL for faculty and staff as they do for students.
2. Lean into SEL during stressful times
SEL instruction is crucial during March and April when state testing is happening for schools across the U.S. While it’s a popular time for administrators to pull back on SEL in favor of test prep, it’s when educators and students are often struggling because of test-related anxiety.
3. Speak a common language
An SEL curriculum should provide the school community with an engaging, accessible common language to help support lasting, tangible change. Weave in that common language and implement with fidelity. The language can live on bulletin boards, district websites, weekly newsletters to families – the opportunities to communicate are endless.
4. Foster a positive school culture
Create an inclusive and supportive school culture that encourages positive relationships, effective communication, and a growth mindset. Encourage teachers and staff to model the social-emotional skills you hope to see in students.
For SEL to thrive, it cannot be siloed and must be thought of differently than academic subjects. SEL should be integrated into the daily routines of a school; consider ways to infuse social-emotional learning lessons and activities into academic classes and special events.
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5. Community is key
From bus drivers and office staff to teachers, counselors and custodians, everyone in the school community plays a part in making SEL a priority and a success. Implementing and running an SEL curriculum cannot fall on the shoulders of a small group of teachers. Successful SEL programs begin with direct instruction and then ripple out.
6. Keep families informed
When families understand the SEL program, they can better support their children’s development and reinforce the skills and attitudes taught in school.
By sharing information about the SEL curriculum, administrators can help families understand the goals and objectives of the program, as well as how these align with the overall goals of the school. When families are involved in the SEL program, children are more likely to internalize the skills they are learning and show improved outcomes in areas such as academic achievement, behavior, and social skills.
7. Feedback loop
Gather feedback from students, teachers, and other stakeholders to ensure the program is meeting its goals and making a positive impact. When gathering feedback, don’t discount the student voice. Encourage students to take an active role in their social-emotional development by providing opportunities for them to reflect on their experiences, set personal goals, and make choices about their learning.
Work with your school community and SEL curriculum provider to continuously evaluate and refine. Regularly evaluate the impact of your district’s social-emotional learning program and adjust as needed.
