Safe and Drug Free Schools

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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	Why do Social and Emotional Learning? Social and emotional awareness enhances the potential for individual and social growth and learning. An absence of S&E awareness stunts that potential. Becoming aware of one's emotions and how to express them in a relationally positive manner promotes solutions, not a cyclical problem. SEL builds success in academics and productive relationships with others, now and in the future. The social and emotional aspects of each individual are the driving forces in one's ability to learn. Rather than expect an understanding of social/emotional issues, we believe it needs to be taught and seen as valuable. The effect will be important, as each person will have a chance to reflect on the individual being that they are and teach those life-long skills to others. The classroom can have a higher level of learning by reducing off-task time and energy, which will lead to increased academic achievement. Academics/school involvement increases greatly when students are individualized, personalized and feel like they belong to the fabric of the school. Students who feel this way become leaders and success stories – they become how they feel each day of school. Teachers who have been trained will teach children how to be aware of themselves and others. Integrating SEL skills and academic skills prepares our students for life in the world. This is what employers are asking for. SEL will help teachers learn more about age appropriate social/emotional learning in order to help our students. It will help adults assess their own S&E learning strategies and issues. Students can learn to deal with stressors and still be able to learn. In addition, fewer issues are created through positive responses (they don't make things worse for themselves.) Students are social beings and need to be able to interact appropriately. SEL is at the core of human existence and is a compassionate way to build community. Because We Can't Afford Not To!