Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills needed to succeed in school, work, and life. SEL is important for all students, but it is especially important for students who are facing challenges such as poverty, trauma, or discrimination.

SEL has the potential to transform students' lives. Research has shown that social-emotional learning programs can lead to improved academic achievement, reduced behavior problems, improved mental health, and increased civic engagement.

Here are some specific examples of how SEL can benefit students:

• Improved academic achievement: Students who have strong SEL skills are better able to focus, learn new information, and solve problems. They are also more likely to persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks.

• Reduced behavior problems: Students who have strong SEL skills are better able to manage their emotions, resolve conflicts peacefully, and make responsible decisions. This can lead to fewer behavioral problems and disruptions in the classroom.

• Improved mental health: Students who have strong SEL skills are better able to cope with stress and adversity. They are also more likely to have positive self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

• Increased civic engagement: Students who have strong SEL skills are more likely to be involved in their communities and to make a positive difference in the world.

SEL can be taught in a variety of ways, including through direct instruction, modeling, and experiential learning. SEL can also be infused into the academic curriculum and school-wide practices and policies.

Here are some examples of how SEL can be taught in schools:

• Direct instruction: Teachers can explicitly teach SEL skills to students in the classroom. For example, teachers can teach students how to identify and manage their emotions, how to resolve conflict peacefully, and how to make responsible decisions.

• Modeling: Teachers can model SEL skills for students by demonstrating how to manage their own emotions, how to build positive relationships, and how to make responsible decisions.

• Experiential learning: Students can learn SEL skills through experiential learning activities such as role-playing, cooperative learning, and service learning.

• Infused into the academic curriculum: SEL can be infused into the academic curriculum by connecting SEL skills to the content that is being taught. For example, students can learn about social justice while developing their empathy and conflict-resolution skills.

• School-wide practices and policies: Schools can create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students by adopting SEL-informed practices and policies. For example, schools can implement restorative justice practices to address behavioral problems, and they can create a climate of respect and dignity for all students.

SEL is an essential part of a well-rounded education. By teaching students the skills they need to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions, SEL can help students succeed in school, work, and life.

In addition to the benefits listed above, SEL has also been shown to:

• Reduce substance abuse and risky behaviors: Students who have strong SEL skills are less likely to engage in substance abuse and other risky behaviors.

• Increase school engagement: Students who have strong SEL skills are more likely to be engaged in school and to have a positive attitude toward learning.

• Promote positive mental health: Students who have strong SEL skills are less likely to experience depression and anxiety.

• Increase career readiness: Students who have strong SEL skills are more likely to be successful in the workplace.

Overall, the research on SEL is clear: SEL is essential for student success. Schools that implement SEL programs are helping their students to develop the skills they need to succeed in school, work, and life.