{"id":80397,"date":"2024-11-18T10:22:48","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T16:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/casel.org\/?post_type=blogposts&#038;p=80397"},"modified":"2024-11-18T11:40:47","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T17:40:47","slug":"your-sel-questions-answered","status":"publish","type":"blogposts","link":"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/your-sel-questions-answered\/","title":{"rendered":"Your SEL Questions \u2026 Answered!\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-points\">Key Points<\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fact: <\/strong>SEL enhances academic success by helping students focus and stay motivated, creating more engaging and productive classrooms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fact: <\/strong>SEL teaches knowledge, skills, and attitudes that support college, career, and life success. SEL is a collaborative effort between schools, families, and communities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fact: <\/strong>SEL is about ensuring every child feels valued, engaged, and ready to learn, supporting them to reach their full potential.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fact: <\/strong>Data is used to support student growth, improve instructional practices, and enhance the overall school climate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019ve got questions, we\u2019ve got answers! <\/strong>Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an essential part of today\u2019s education and helps develop skills that students need to succeed in school and life. That\u2019s why the vast majority of parents, teachers, and students themselves say SEL is important in schools! With more than 83 percent of U.S. schools implementing SEL, we want to share some of the common questions we\u2019ve heard. Whether you&#8217;re curious about its impact on academics, the skills it teaches, or its role in creating supportive learning environments, these FAQs are here to help you learn what SEL is\u2014and isn\u2019t!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whats-the-relationship-between-sel-and-academics\"><strong>What\u2019s the relationship between SEL and academics?<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2705 Fact: SEL enhances academic success by helping students focus and stay motivated, creating more engaging and productive classrooms.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;Research shows SEL contributes significantly to academic performance and readiness. <a href=\"https:\/\/srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/cdev.12864\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hundreds of studies<\/a> involving more than 1 million students worldwide across PreK-12 showed that SEL has a positive impact on students\u2019 achievement, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/cdev.12864\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2017 study<\/a> found that students who participated in SEL showed an average academic gain of 13 percentile points years later. Students participating in SEL programs also showed improved classroom behavior and better attitudes about themselves, others, and school.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/9-1M-Students-Instagram-Launch-1.png?auto=compress&amp;fm=png\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/9-1M-Students-Instagram-Launch-1.png?auto=compress&amp;fit=scale&amp;fm=png&amp;h=1900&amp;w=1900\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80407\" style=\"width:384px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/9-1M-Students-Instagram-Launch-1.png 640w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/9-1M-Students-Instagram-Launch-1.png 1900w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/9-1M-Students-Instagram-Launch-1.png 300w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/9-1M-Students-Instagram-Launch-1.png 768w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/9-1M-Students-Instagram-Launch-1.png 1536w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/9-1M-Students-Instagram-Launch-1.png 2048w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/9-1M-Students-Instagram-Launch-1.png 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Want to share this image? <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/11PTmlKVf5QAC0-ccVr2mFHf06p1dp4xI\/view?usp=drive_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click to download<\/a><\/em>  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>SEL develops skills needed for academic success, such as demonstrating curiosity, managing stress, and persevering through challenging content. Brain science supports this connection, as social, emotional, and cognitive skills are deeply intertwined, leading to more effective learning and longer-term academic achievement. Based on this science, many schools integrate SEL directly into existing lessons, finding that it supports learning in subjects like math, science, language arts, and social studies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-sel-teach-and-who-determines-what-is-taught\"><strong>What does SEL teach, and who determines what is taught?<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2705 <\/strong><strong>Fact: SEL teaches knowledge, skills, and attitudes that support college, career, and life success. SEL is a collaborative effort between schools, families, and communities.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>SEL focuses on teaching five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These skills support academic success, goal achievement, and career readiness, making SEL valuable for personal and professional growth. Employers increasingly seek employees with strong SEL competencies, such as communication, cooperation, and effective decision-making.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SEL does not promote any specific ideology, religion, or set of values. Instead, SEL emphasizes universal skills and qualities\u2014such as empathy, cooperation, and respect\u2014that are essential for creating engaging and productive classrooms and communities. SEL also helps young people and adults to better understand and express their views, listen to and empathize with others who have different viewpoints and experiences, and talk through disagreements and conflict. These are skills that prepare students to navigate a diverse world and to appreciate different perspectives. CASEL\u2019s SEL framework is intentionally flexible, encouraging local schools and districts to align SEL with their community values, priorities, and goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"634\" height=\"846\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/5-SEL-Life-Skills-Infographic.png?auto=compress&amp;fit=scale&amp;fm=png&amp;h=1900&amp;w=1424\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80401\" style=\"width:420px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Want to share this image? <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1NGlhnsrjp7WxHZMicKawH3Etr0UGRqlU\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click to download<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-sel-have-to-do-with-a-childs-race-gender-or-any-other-aspect-of-their-identity\"><strong>What does SEL have to do with a child\u2019s race, gender, or any other aspect of their identity?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2705 <\/strong><strong>Fact: SEL is about ensuring every child feels valued, engaged, and ready to learn, supporting them to reach their full potential.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Research shows that when students see themselves, families, and backgrounds reflected in the curriculum, it positively impacts their engagement, motivation, and academic performance. SEL promotes environments that respect and celebrate diversity, helping educators connect with students&#8217; unique backgrounds and strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/SEL-and-parents.png?auto=compress&amp;fit=scale&amp;fm=png&amp;h=1900&amp;w=1900\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80408\" style=\"width:357px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-and-parents.png 640w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-and-parents.png 1900w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-and-parents.png 300w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-and-parents.png 768w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-and-parents.png 1536w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-and-parents.png 2048w, https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/sites\/1\/.\/SEL-and-parents.png 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Want to share this image? <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1al8UNdJmRY7UH2-EZBOZf6p9CB5YMqgE\/view?usp=sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click to download<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Evidence-based SEL programs are designed to be developmentally appropriate, meaning they are tailored to match the age and maturity of students. These programs focus on building empathy, respect, and interpersonal skills, which help foster understanding among students from varied backgrounds. Importantly, SEL is a collaborative effort, driven by schools and families working together to identify shared goals and ensure that SEL practices are meaningful within the local context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-is-student-data-used-in-sel\"><strong>How is student data used in SEL?<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u2705<\/strong><strong>Fact: Data is used to support student growth, improve instructional practices, and enhance the overall school climate.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In education, data is often used to help continuously improve efforts, and SEL data can help students reflect on their own strengths and help teachers look for trends to inform their instruction<strong>.<\/strong> One important source of SEL-related data comes from school climate assessments, which ask students about their perspectives on their learning environment. These data gather insights into how safe, supported, and engaged students feel at school\u2014factors that are essential for creating a positive school climate. By understanding students\u2019 perspectives, educators can identify areas for improvement and create more inclusive, welcoming, and productive classrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>School climate assessments may complement other SEL data, such as students\u2019 self-reflection on their progress in areas like communication and empathy. Together, these data sources allow schools to understand trends, celebrate strengths, and address any gaps in student support. This information is not used to diagnose individual behavioral or mental health issues but rather to guide schoolwide strategies that enhance the learning environment. With SEL, schools partner with families and communities to choose the right data tools, ensuring transparency and alignment with shared goals for student success and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"634\" height=\"846\" src=\"https:\/\/casel.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/Fact-V.-Fiction.png?auto=compress&amp;fit=scale&amp;fm=png&amp;h=1900&amp;w=1424\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80405\" style=\"width:407px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Want to share this image? <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1ndX99GwpXs9uUnGByNTJemfEq3ZSZpHP\/view?usp=drive_link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click to download<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related Posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/sel-101-what-to-expect-from-casels-new-course\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEL 101: What to Expect from CASEL\u2019s New Course<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/sel-quick-start-the-sel-3-signature-practices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SEL Quick Start: The SEL 3 Signature Practices<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/casel.org\/blog\/a-relationship-fueled-learning-community-teachers-and-students-in-california-share-the-impact-of-sel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Relationship-Fueled Learning Community: Teachers and Students in California Share the Impact of SEL<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"write-for-us\"><strong>Write for Us<\/strong><\/h2><a class=top href=\"#top\">Back to top<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you interested in writing for CASEL\u2019s blog, <em>Constellations<\/em>? <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1zSZFveKA8xsmlCADpfDP8t-y9emN0qswHQh1MnfmqBI\/edit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more<\/a> about what we\u2019re looking for and how to pitch your idea!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Points Back to top You\u2019ve got questions, we\u2019ve got answers! Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an essential part of today\u2019s education and helps develop skills that students need to succeed in school and life. That\u2019s why the vast majority of parents, teachers, and students themselves say SEL is important in schools! With more [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":80402,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","theme":[201],"class_list":["post-80397","blogposts","type-blogposts","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","theme-deep-dives"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts\/80397","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogposts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blogposts"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80397"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/80402"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"theme","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casel.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/theme?post=80397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}