SEL Programs
A bridge to classroom learning If you’ve ever witnessed your child’s teacher struggling to control student behavior in the classroom, you’re certainly not alone. Kids calmly listening to lessons or working cooperatively in groups are too often replaced by a disorderly rumpus in which educators are so busy dealing with behavioral issues, they are hardpressed to find time to teach academics. Although there are many probable reasons why students (and teachers) are in this situation — including usual suspects like too much screen time and not enough sleep — perhaps the most important thing to understand is that when kids come into a classroom unable to control their emotions, make good decisions, or appropriately connect with others, it becomes extremely challenging for schools to provide the safe, caring environment needed for children to succeed in traditional subjects like math, science and reading. While support from home is paramount, local school administrators are making a commitment to implement high quality, district-wide programs that help address some of these concerns. SEL programs that intentionally focus on educating the whole child (socially, emotionally and academically) have become increasingly important in helping kids thrive at school and beyond. 16 • SanDiegofamily.com • February 2020
What Is SEL? According to CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning), SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) is the process through which children and adults: • Understand and manage emotions • Set and achieve positive goals • Feel and show empathy for others • Establish and maintain positive relationships • Make responsible decisions Although many teachers are already instinctually aware that socialemotional learning is crucial to academic success, recent research has provided a greater understanding of its importance and is prompting schools to take further action. The California Department of Education (CDE) now recommends weaving SEL into the work of every teacher in every classroom and afterschool and summer learning program in order to prepare all students for college and careers. This is no small feat — but the future success of our kids is at stake. “Social and Emotional Learning is of critical importance in our schools, classrooms and school communities,” says Cindy Marten, superintendent of San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). “Youth and children need to
Lisa Pawlak
More Information on SEL Programs CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning): www.casel.org CA Department of Education www.cde.ca.gov/eo/in/ socialemotionallearning.asp Social Emotional Learning Alliance of CA www.sel4ca.org CA State PTA www.capta.org/resource/whatis-social-emotional-learning
SEL Programs in San Diego (partial list) Second Step www.secondstep.org/secondstep-social-emotional-learning Leader in Me www.leaderinme.org/blog/caselselect MindUP www.mindup.org Sanford Harmony www.sanfordharmony.org Pure Edge www.pureedgeinc.org Character Counts www.charactercounts.com
