Call for Social and Emotional Learning in Schools

Many residents of Oklahoma still develop social and emotional learning within their families, schools and communities.  We realize, however, that children's environments have changed as our society has changed.  Mentors do make a significant difference.  According to this report, schools, especially those facing what were once termed "inner city" problems, need to incorporate--or re-incorporate--social and emotional learning into their curricula. 

The Missing Piece A Report for CASEL

A National Teacher Survey on How Social and Emotional Learning Can Empower Children and Transform Schools
By Civic Enterprises with Peter D. Hart Research Associates
John Bridgeland | Mary Bruce | Arya Hariharan


"DEFINING OUR TERMS: WHAT IS SEL?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) involves the processes through which adults and children develop social and emotional competencies in five areas:
� Self-awareness, like knowing your strengths and limitations
� Self-management, like being able to stay in control and persevere through challenges
� Social awareness, like understanding and empathizing with others
� Relationship skills, like being able to work in teams and resolve conflicts
� Responsible decision-making, like making ethical and safe choices
(For more information, see page 16 [of the report linked below].)

"SURVEY FINDINGS
The survey’s findings have three major themes:
(1) Teachers Understand, Value, and Endorse Social and Emotional Learning for All Students;
(2) Teachers Believe Social and Emotional Learning Helps Students Achieve in School and Life; and
(3) Teachers Identify Key Accelerators for Social and Emotional Learning."

"Throughout this report, we share the perspectives of teachers and what research tells us about various aspects of social and emotional learning, including the importance of both adopting explicit evidence-based SEL strategies and integrating evidencebased SEL approaches. These findings are also supported by discussions with students, case studies of successful schools, and conversations with thought leaders. As a result of these insights, the Paths Forward section of the report offers recommendations on how to advance the strategic and systemic use of SEL in schools to promote student success as learners, workers, and citizens."

http://www.civicenterprises.net/MediaLibrary/Docs/CASEL-Report-low-res-FINAL.pdf

This 60-page report is worth reading.

Source: Sarah Kremer's Friends for Youth e-newsletter, July 2013 issue.