SHARE
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is widely recognized as a foundational component of K-12 education. After first coining the term twenty-six years ago, the rapid rise of interest in (and varied implementation of) social-emotional learning over the past several years led theCollaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)– widely considered to be the authoritative source for SEL research, practice, and policy guidance – to release an update to their definition of social and emotional learning. Thenew definition(which focuses on an expanded vision for SEL that emphasizes its ability to advance educational equity and excellence) has sparked a focus on the importance of systemic SEL, or an approach to create equitable learning conditions that actively involve all Pre-K to Grade 12 students in learning and practicing social, emotional, and academic competencies. The majority of educators now believe that fostering students’ social and emotional development is critical for success in school and beyond. Decades ofresearchindicates that promoting student (and adult) social and emotional learning results in improved academic outcomes and classroom behaviors, along with a slew of ancillary benefits – from increasing one’s ability to set positive goals to building stress-management skills to improving economic mobility. Given the unique and constantly evolving dynamics of K-12 education in our current context, it is more important than ever before for district leaders to think holistically about social-emotional learning and critically consider systems that can advance (or suppress) educational equity and excellence for every student. This guide will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of what systemic social-emotional learning is and the conditions needed to foster systemic SEL. By the end, you’ll walk away with tools to lead, measure, and implement SEL systemically, effectively, equitably, and sustainably in your district. Download Now: the Panorama Family-School Relationships Survey 1. What is Systemic SEL? 2. CASEL's Systemic SEL Framework 3. Key Considerations for Systemic SEL 4. Systemic SEL Resources Systemic SEL is an approach to create equitable learning conditions that actively involve all Pre-K to Grade 12 students in learning and practicing social, emotional, and academic competencies that are important for success at school and in life. In recognizing that all approaches to social-emotional learning are not equal, systemic SEL relies on district leaders and legislators to align behind policy, programs, and resources that help support a coordinated learning process. Systemic SEL is one component of an integrated districtwide approach that is focused on developing safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments for young people. The equitable learning conditions that a systemic approach to SEL seeks to create require aligned programs and policies that: Indicators of successful systemic SEL range from supportive school and classroom climates to supportive discipline policies and practices to the mixture of both explicit SEL instruction as well as SEL integrated within academic instruction. When districts implement systemic SEL, a wide range of positive student outcomes are expected: CASEL’s framework for systemic SEL – which is based on over 25 years of research and field testing carried out in partnership with school, districts, and states – encapsulates the foundational practices to establish and implement SEL, the settings directly involved in promoting systemic SEL throughout a school district, and the outcomes that can be achieved through systemic SEL. [Source:www.casel.org] As outlined by this framework, the process by which systemic SEL develops at the district-level begins with four coordinated “implementation focus areas” (aligned toCASEL’s Districtwide SEL Framework) that include a set of recommendations for creating an environment that embeds SEL into every part of students’ educational experience and promotes equitable outcomes for every learner. The “what and where” of systemic SEL includes all “key settings” in which students’ social and emotional competencies have the potential to be developed, including classrooms, schools, homes, and in the broader community. Through culturally responsive, respectful, and trusting relationships between staff, caregivers, students and community members, these settings help to nurture and sustain students’ (and educators') social and emotional competencies. It is particularly important to collaborate with family members in the planning and implementation process of districtwide systemic SEL efforts. A key element of systemic SEL is the interconnectedness of these settings. The approach underscores a coordinated approach across school, family, and community settings to implement and improve SEL programs and practices. Actions taken in one environment affect the others. Furthermore, for social-emotional learning efforts to be truly systemic, these key settings must honor student voice and agency while giving opportunities for every learner to engage in rigorous educational experiences. Learn how Panorama aligns with each of the four implementation focus areas for systemic SEL. When reflecting on ways to create equitable learning conditions that actively involve all Pre-K to Grade 12 students in learning and practicing social-emotional learning competencies, it is paramount for district leaders and school leaders to consider the following principles: This guide is just a starting point for exploring the topic of systemic SEL. Here are some resources to explore next:What is Systemic SEL?
CASEL's Systemic SEL Framework
Key Considerations for Systemic SEL
Additional Systemic SEL Resources