Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a crucial aspect of education, with research showing that students who master core social-emotional skills like self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness tend to have higher academic achievement and better school functioning. A strong SEL program also contributes to creating a safe learning environment for students. The good news is that social-emotional skills can be taught, and there are numerous programs available to help students develop these essential skills.
When choosing an SEL curriculum for your school or district, it’s important to look for certain must-have qualities in the program. A high-quality SEL curriculum should include all dimensions of SEL, integrated into the school day, provide purposeful and engaging experiences, offer a variety of opportunities for students, support teachers in their own social and emotional development, set focused and realistic goals, and support the family-school connection. These qualities ensure that the curriculum is comprehensive, effective, and beneficial for both students and teachers.
On the other hand, there are certain warning signs to watch out for when selecting an SEL curriculum. Avoid programs that provide a limited scope, make unrealistic promises, lack evidence-based research, or don’t allow for analysis and reflection. These warning signs indicate that the program may not be effective or suitable for your school’s needs.
To help you get started, here are five examples of SEL curricula that have had a positive impact and are highly rated by CASEL program reviews:
1. Caring School Community: This program focuses on understanding context and community, school-wide community building, and explicit teaching of social skills, proactive discipline, and relationship building.
2. Changemakers: Provides lessons on how the brain works, managing emotions, building relationships, and more, organized around themes like Safe Relationships and Understanding Others.
3. Reading With Relevance: Guides teachers and students through culturally relevant literature, engaging them in discussions and activities related to SEL topics.
4. Second Step: Offers classroom kits and online platforms with lessons on cooperation, communication, and decision-making, supporting emotional distress reduction and improved social behaviors.
5. Wayfinder: Supports teachers in self-awareness and cultural bias, offering lessons for kindergarten through 12th grade focused on identity development, school climate, and social behaviors.
When choosing the right SEL curriculum for your school or district, consider your goals, priorities, student diversity, flexibility of implementation, staff professional development needs, evaluation tools, and community involvement. By following these steps and guidelines, you can select an SEL curriculum that best meets the needs of your students and promotes a positive learning environment. Join the conversation on the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook for more tips and advice on choosing the best SEL curriculum for your school or district.
