Explicit SEL instruction refers to consistent opportunities for students to cultivate, practice, and reflect on social and emotional competencies in ways that are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive.
The SEL team serves as a model for positive practices that promote healthy relationships among adults, students, and families. It’s highly beneficial to build a strong team dynamic and positive working relationship by developing group norms and team routines.
Establish a highly-functioning SEL team that’s representative of the school community and includes students, families, and community groups in decision-making processes.
Create meaningful partnership opportunities and two-way communication that invites families to understand, experience, inform, and support the social and emotional development of their students.
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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.
By making the time to build the relationships that allow learners to feel a sense of community- that they are “in this together”- teachers create a safer, more equitable environment where all students participate and achieve.
Integration of SEL and Academics
Social and emotional competencies serve as a foundation for achieving academic goals, while academic instruction also provides a ripe opportunity for teaching and practicing SEL.
Establish a structured, ongoing process to collect, reflect on, and use implementation and outcome data to inform school-level decisions and drive improvements to SEL implementation.
Focus Area 1A: Continuous Improvement Connections
The SEL team has an important role in leading schoolwide SEL. The team can be strengthened over time using continuous improvement techniques.