A record number of K-12 schools are reporting social and emotional learning (SEL) instruction, according to research from CASEL and RAND, as reported in eSchool News.
Most school principals (83%) report their schools use an SEL curriculum this school year – an increase from 76 percent in the 2021-22 school year and 46 percent in the 2017-2018 school year.
Data from recent surveys shows SEL can contribute to more positive school climates and increase student interest in learning, while supporting educators themselves, says Dr. Alexandra Skoog-Hoffman, CASEL Senior Director of Research & Learning. CASEL partners with districts across the country to research and scale high-quality SEL.
Educators nationwide are prioritizing SEL in part due to its positive impact on teachers. Report data show greater investment in SEL correlates with teachers feeling like they have the time, professional learning and community support to implement SEL strategies that benefit students’ learning.
The report indicates that state policies have a strong impact on successful SEL initiatives. Schools in states with SEL policies such as standalone K-12 SEL standards and integration of SEL into academic content areas report fewer barriers to instruction, increased community support and more professional learning opportunities for educators.
eSchool News
