Students and Schools
Promoting Academic Achievement
Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps improve kids’ academic performance, curtail bullying, reduce dropout rates, and build character.
Well-implemented SEL programs positively affect students’ success in school. Studies show that social-emotional skills—such as problem-solving, self-regulation, impulse control, and empathy—help improve academics, reduce negative social behaviors like bullying, and create positive classroom climates.
Social-emotional skills also help kids successfully manage everyday life. They help students focus, make good decisions, and become supportive members of their community well beyond school.
What SEL Is, Why It Matters
See why learning social-emotional skills is just as important as learning reading, writing, and math. Watch how early and continued SEL instruction can have long-lasting benefits for kids and adults.
Empowering Educators
Second Step programs give teachers the resources they need to help students recognize and manage their emotions, to cope with problems that may arise, and to focus on their lessons.
Research for SEL Is Key
Research shows how social-emotional education has a positive, lasting impact in children's lives in and out of school.
When Districts Support and Integrate SEL
American Institutes for Research
“Since research has demonstrated the importance of social and emotional competencies for success in school and in life, educators and researchers have worked together to intervene and develop students’ social and emotional competencies.”
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How Learning Happens: Supporting Students’ Social, Emotional, and Academic Development
The Aspen Institute
“Effectively weaving social, emotional, and academic components into the fabric of a school helps students remain motivated to develop skills to navigate and succeed within their learning communities and to serve as responsible, contributing members of society.”
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Key Insights from the Collaborating District Initiative
Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
“Systemic SEL is not a siloed approach or standalone program, but a new way of doing business. [It's] not a separate priority but is integrated into core functions such as academics, professional development, and equity.”
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Alonda Williams "The bottom line is that SEL improves academic
outcomes, graduation rates, test scores, and overall quality of life."
Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
YMCA of Greater Seattle
What Is SEL?
Social-emotional learning, or SEL, is the process of learning the social-emotional skills that are essential for success in school, work, and life.
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Workers and Workplaces
Social-emotional skills like relationship-building, problem-solving, and collaboration are all highly sought after in today’s
workforce.
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Life and Society
The impact of SEL is increasingly recognized around the world to positively affect individuals and communities.
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Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success. People with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially. From effective problem-solving to self-discipline,
from impulse control to emotion management and more, SEL provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on kids, adults, and communities. Children thrive. Schools win. Workplaces benefit. Society strengthens. All due to social-emotional learning. Extensive research shows a correlation between the skills taught in SEL programs and academic achievement, positive behavior, and healthier life choices.
Skills That Matter, Across Cultures
Students and Schools
SEL helps build a foundation that supports students’ success both personally and academically. When kids are equipped with social-emotional skills, they’re better able to learn and contribute to a positive school
climate.
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Workers and Workplaces
Communication, getting along with others, assertiveness, and problem-solving are all skills taught in an SEL program. These skills help people and organizations build a healthy, supportive, and successful work environment.
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Life and Society
SEL gives people—from childhood through the full life span—the tools they
need to build and maintain positive relationships, control strong emotions, and express empathy. Public health and safety also improve.
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Research for SEL Is Key
Rigorous research is essential in developing our social-emotional learning curriculum.
The Empathy Effect
Committee for Children is on a mission to change the world. Our ambitious goal: positively transform the social-emotional well-being of 100 million children annually by 2028.
The Case for a Holistic Approach to Social-Emotional Learning
Communities can strengthen children’s social-emotional skills by taking a comprehensive approach to social-emotional learning.
How Social-Emotional Learning Helps Children Succeed in School, the Workplace, and Life
Committee for Children gathers thought leaders’ views on why social and personal competencies are critical and will be even more necessary in the future.