Out-of-school time: "A supervised program that young people regularly attend when school is not in session. This can include before- and after- school programs on a school campus or facilities such as academic programs (e.g., reading or math focused programs), specialty programs (e.g., sports teams, STEM, arts enrichment), and multipurpose programs that provide an array of activities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)." https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/ost.htm
Just as it’s important to model SEL for students in the classroom, it’s also important for adults to consistently model social-emotional competencies with each other.
This process helps schools create an environment that supports students in developing the academic, social, and emotional competencies that they need to navigate the world.
Build on Strengths and Experience
Schools, like the greater society, are becoming increasingly more diverse in culture, ethnicity, race, language, values, and beliefs. This diversity has countless positive benefits, but it can also present challenges.
Foster supportive classroom environments that engage in explicit SEL and integrate SEL throughout instruction.
The CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL provides an intentional and collaborative implementation process. Find out where to begin.
Support staff in modeling SEL competencies, mindsets, and skills throughout the school community.
Expand adult learning through structures such as professional learning communities and mentoring opportunities.
Private: Integrating SEL into Staff and Grade-Level Meetings
SEL practices help improve collaboration and can be embedded into any meeting where staff comes together to help build collaboration. Practices may include intentional opportunities to connect personally, interact in meaningful ways, share appreciations, or take time for reflection.
While your team works to align school discipline policies to SEL, it’s important to ensure that all classrooms consistently reinforce a student-centered approach to discipline.
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.