Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
TiLt parenting podcast episode 303: Dr. Joseph Lee Talks about the importance of sel
"Have you ever wondered if sel in school and classrooms really matters?" Tilt parenting has "been exploring this question a lot over the past year, as well as trying to understand the recent increase in parental and politcal pushback in the US, specifically, that is putting the future of SEL in schools at risk." |

What is SEL?
Although it is a new acronym for many, the term SEL has been around since the 1990s. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), a national leader in SEL, was formed in 1994 with a goal of “establishing high-quality, evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) as an essential part of preschool through high school education.” District 204 and the Dupage Regional Office of Education have established a partnership with CASEL in order to provide quality SEL instruction for students district-wide.
SEL is defined by CASEL as “the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.” Specifically, CASEL divides the learning targets into five competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness. Click HERE to learn more about CASEL and the competencies.
Although it is a new acronym for many, the term SEL has been around since the 1990s. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), a national leader in SEL, was formed in 1994 with a goal of “establishing high-quality, evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) as an essential part of preschool through high school education.” District 204 and the Dupage Regional Office of Education have established a partnership with CASEL in order to provide quality SEL instruction for students district-wide.
SEL is defined by CASEL as “the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.” Specifically, CASEL divides the learning targets into five competencies: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness. Click HERE to learn more about CASEL and the competencies.

Why teach these skills?
Every parent wants their child[ren] to be prepared for whatever life may throw at them. the good, the bad, and the ugly. We've all been there. We all encounter rocky times throughout life, and learning social and emotional skills can help weather these times.
Also, it's become increasingly clear based on feedback from business partners and universities alike that although District 204 graduates are almost always prepared to succeed academically in college and beyond, there are other skills that need to be emphasized to help prepare our students. the portrait of a graduate experience helped clarify exactly what non-academic skills we collectively want our graduates to possess.
Every parent wants their child[ren] to be prepared for whatever life may throw at them. the good, the bad, and the ugly. We've all been there. We all encounter rocky times throughout life, and learning social and emotional skills can help weather these times.
Also, it's become increasingly clear based on feedback from business partners and universities alike that although District 204 graduates are almost always prepared to succeed academically in college and beyond, there are other skills that need to be emphasized to help prepare our students. the portrait of a graduate experience helped clarify exactly what non-academic skills we collectively want our graduates to possess.
Why is SEL critical?
- The Portrait of a Graduate (POG) initiative sought community stakeholders’ input regarding learning targets for District 204 students. This initiative affirmed that along with knowledge, “soft skills” such as flexibility, adaptability, and resilience are crucial to child development and are values embraced by our community. Click HERE for POG details.
- Well developed social and emotional skills are critical for career success. Click HERE.
- Effective SEL instruction can help promote educational equity and excellence. Click HERE for CASEL’s recent report - Emerging Insights on Advancing Social and Emotional Learning as a Lever for Equity and Excellence.
How are we Teaching SEL at Metea?
- During the 2019-2020 school year, the district purchased School Connect, an SEL program specifically developed for teens. It will serve as our main curricular resource.
- In addition to the regular lessons taught in pe, Many teachers embed SEL naturally into their everyday practices. Just ask your child's english teacher about how they do it!