Integrating Social-Emotional Learning Into State and District Policies
Educators recognize the important role social-emotional learning (SEL) plays for student success in school, work, and life. In a recent national study, the majority of educators stated that giving SEL a greater emphasis in schools will help improve academic achievement, student interest in schools, and student behavior (Bridgeland, Bruce, & Hariharan, 2013). To promote a greater emphasis on SEL, authors of a recent brief published by the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders (GTL Center) recommended integrating SEL with other state and district initiatives, including the Common Core State Standards and teacher evaluation systems.
This webinar, cohosted by the GTL Center, the National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE), the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), and the Pacific Comprehensive Center brings together a dynamic panel that will discuss how states and districts are integrating SEL into their state and district initiatives. Specifically, Roger Weissberg, Ph.D. will discuss the current state of SEL across the nation, providing an overview of how various districts are attempting to implement SEL into their schools. In addition, Pamela Randall, Ed.D. will discuss how Metro Nashville has integrating SEL into their curricular reforms; and Ruth Cross will present the work DuPage County, IL, has done on connecting SEL to the Common Core and to their evaluation system. Finally, Sue Kidd with the Kansas State Department of Education will discuss how Kansas developed their SECD (social-emotional, character development) standards and the use of those standards for their school’s accreditation process. Participants of this webinar will receive practical examples of what districts and states are currently doing, as well as access to tools that districts have used to help integrate SEL.
Key Outcomes: As a result of participating in this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify reasons why SEL is important and essential to impact student outcomes;
- Identify approaches states and districts have taken to implement SEL policies;
- Describe the role SEL plays in successfully integrating current education initiatives; and
- Implement strategies to integrate SEL into SEA and LEA initiatives.
Key Audience: State Education Agencies and Local Education Agencies (e.g., staff that focus on school climate, behavior specialists, educator evaluation, standards, and curriculum) and professional organizations that focus on SEL, character education, school climate, and bullying.
Presenters:
Ruth Cross, Illinois Training Specialist, DuPage County
Sue Kidd, Kansas Character Development Initiative
Pamela Randall, Ed.D, Director of Practice, CASEL
Roger Weissberg, Ph.D., President and CEO, CASEL
Nick Yoder, Ph.D., TA Consultant, Center on Great Teachers and Leaders
Date: December 11, 2013, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET
Webinar Materials:
