Giving Compass' Take:

• Megan Collins, writing for EdSurge, discusses how educators can approach the process of addressing social-emotional learning and implementation.

• Why should more schools adopt social-emotional learning? How can donors support the implementation of this instruction?

• Read about how to measure social-emotional learning. 

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a top implementation priority for districts, ed-tech companies and education researchers, and for good reason: Kids need it.

With the rise in youth suicide rates, increased numbers of violent incidents in schools and the growing rate of American youth diagnosed with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, the social-emotional instability of America’s youth has, according to some experts, become a national crisis. Many are turning to SEL as a means to address this growing concern and spark conversation around sensitive or vulnerable topics.

But what if you work in a district or school that has yet to place SEL on the priority list? Perhaps you are thinking, “I know SEL is important, but I don’t have time to teach another subject on top of what I already do.” Implementing SEL in your own classroom does not need to feel so daunting. There’s things you can start doing right now.

Here are four easy steps to begin the process of addressing SEL within your own teaching practice. In fact, implementing these steps now can be extremely helpful as you near the end of the school year and set learning priorities for your next class of students.

  1. Review the CASEL Framework CASEL is the leading organization in the development and support of social-emotional learning research, practices, and policies.
  2. Take an Inventory After reviewing CASEL’s framework, take time to reflect on your own interactions and those of your students.
  3. Start Conversations Take your work a step further by explicitly identifying these interactions in a meaningful way.
  4. Broaden The Scope A supportive and engaged school culture and climate are key components in creating environments conducive to social-emotional growth. Expand these conversations to include all stakeholders.

Read the full article about social-emotional learning by Megan Collins at EdSurge.