Integrate Student Supports with SEL

By integrating SEL into student support services through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), schools are better equipped to ensure that all students have what they need to succeed.

Focus Area 2: Continuous Improvement Connections

A safe and supportive school climate is an important factor for improving academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes for students (Thapa, 2013).

School

Align schoolwide systems, policies, programs, and practices to promote SEL for students.

Indicators of Schoolwide SEL

Schoolwide SEL is evidenced by indicators in the classroom, school, family, and community.

Focus Area 2

Cultivate a community of adults who engage in their own social and emotional learning, collaborate on strategies for promoting SEL, and model SEL throughout the school.

A Supportive Classroom Environment

A supportive and equitable environment in all classrooms serves as a platform for all academic, social and emotional learning. At the core of a supportive classroom is a caring, engaging teacher who establishes authentic trusting relationships with each student.

Budget

Create a stable budget for SEL resources, professional learning, and staffing to support the sustainability of SEL efforts.

Connect and Collaborate With Students

Professional learning communities provide an important opportunity to integrate SEL into existing practices, work collaboratively on the goals of schoolwide SEL, and cultivate their own social and emotional competencies.

Practices for School Leaders

An important part of building staff skills around SEL is modeling by school leaders. These strategies can provide ideas for administrators and leadership teams to build relationships and show staff they are cared for and appreciated.

Connect and Collaborate With Families

Mentoring programs can help teachers improve their professional relationships while enhancing their SEL and instructional practice.