The Importance of Social Emotional Learning

Many schools in our district have chosen to build Social Emotional Learning into their SAIL plans this year.  For many, this work has been at the forefront of their practice for many years, for some, this has been a new area of focus.  Schools have traditionally prioritized literacy and math and have embraced the idea that if we provide "good instruction" we will address the needs of all of the students in our class; that "good instruction" will automatically equate to high levels of engagement and thus limited behavior problems and improved student growth and achievement.

For teachers, student services staff and principals, the idea that "good instruction" is enough is not necessarily true.  While it is essential to teaching and learning, those of you who work daily with students of trauma and hunger, you know there is another layer that must be in place for students to be successful. 

The article The Future of Education Depends on Social Emotional Learning: Here's Why, Giancarlo Brotto discusses the importance of Social Emotional Learning not only on student achievement but also in their lives beyond school.  As you work with your grade level teams and as SAIL teams are planning for the remainder of this year and beyond, how are you or how is your school incorporating Social Emotional Learning into daily, weekly or 100-Day plans?

The Future of Education Depends on Social Emotional Learning: Here's Why