Social and Emotional Learning Key to Student Success

CISD Superintendent Dr.

Brad Hunt strongly believes in the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and its impact in the classroom. This is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs.

“Essentially, this theory reinforces our focus on meeting the social and emotional needs of our students,” Dr. Hunt said. “If we take care of their physiological, safety, sense of belonging, and esteem needs, then success will follow.”

According to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Angie Applegate, CISD continues to implement social and emotional learning training and strategies for students and staff in order to create and sustain a safe, inclusive and responsive environment for all. ‘We have all been through a traumatic experience with COVID-19, so now, more than ever, it is important that we equip ourselves with the necessary tools to take care of our social and emotional needs,” Dr. Applegate said.

Dr. Applegate recognizes that making these connections for social and emotional learning is a challenge with most CISD students learning from home.

“We are being innovative in how we check in with our educators, students, and families,” she said. “Our crisis counselors and school counselors are being creative in how they connect with students and families.”

For example, CMS West counselors Jaime Duncan and Stephanie Julian have established weekly office hours for students and parents. Each Monday evening, Westies can join a Zoom call with their counselors and ask them anything from help with homework, Schoology or resources for parents. With more than 80 percent of their students learning from home, this provides an opportunity for important check-ins by the counselors.

“We have been able to establish relationships with students and parents we haven’t even met in person,” Duncan said. “We enjoy getting to know our West community, and hope we are able to help them during this time.”

Dr. Applegate said the district is next steps include developing a committee, preparing for another staff professional learning day in February focusing on social and emotional learning and planning parent virtual learning opportunities in the spring.

Dr. Hunt said, “We are committed to social and emotional learning for our entire CISD community, so we can help each other grow, learn and thrive.”