Social-Emotional Learning: What Is SEL and Why SEL Matters

[ music plays ] [ bell rings ] <i> There's a lot of talk these days about SEL,</i> <i> social-emotional learning. </i> <i> But what exactly is it? </i> <i> Social-emotional learning is the process</i> <i> of learning social and emotional skills,</i> <i> and it's just as important as learning reading or math.

</i> <i> This learning process is most effective</i> <i> when it begins early</i> <i> and continues through high school. </i> <i> Social-emotional skills are essential</i> <i> for success in school, work, and life. </i> <i> With SEL, students learn to manage</i> <i> their own emotions and behaviors,</i> <i> have empathy and show care and concern for others,</i> <i> solve problems effectively, make responsible decisions,</i> <i> and maintain healthy relationships.

</i> <i> Students learn to recognize what's happening inside them</i> <i> and to be aware of their emotions,</i> <i> which helps them deal with strong emotions</i> <i> and impulsive behaviors. </i> <i> It helps them stop, take a breath,</i> <i> and think about a situation before acting. </i> <i> Students learn to identify</i> <i> others' emotions and perspectives,</i> <i> which helps them empathize and show compassion,</i> <i> no matter who they are or what their background is.

</i> <i> It's not difficult to imagine</i> <i> how this is important in the classroom -- and in life! </i> <i> Students learn to solve problems in peaceful ways</i> <i> and communicate assertively about what they need or want. </i> <i> This helps them get along with other students</i> <i> and get the help they need from adults.

</i> <i> When students learn to make responsible decisions</i> <i> about their lives and their future,</i> <i> things can turn out better. </i> <i> Research shows social-emotional learning makes a difference. </i> <i> Students who participate in SEL do better academically,</i> <i> have improved attitudes and behaviors,</i> <i> and act in delinquent or disruptive ways less often.

</i> <i> In the United States,</i> <i> students with strong social-emotional competence</i> <i> are twice as likely to earn a college degree</i> <i> and nearly 50% more likely to graduate from high school</i> <i> and have a full-time job by age 25. </i> <i> Just as important,</i> <i> students who are socially and emotionally competent</i> <i> have more friends. </i> <i> This means they're more likely</i> <i> to feel connected to school and do well</i> <i> and less likely to be left out or bullied.

</i> <i> Simply put, by participating in social-emotional learning,</i> <i> students learn the skills to succeed</i> <i> in every facet of school and the rest of their lives.