Social-Emotional Learning

Louisiana to Provide SEL Courses to Middle High School Students

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 09/01/20

Louisiana will be providing every student in grades 6-12 access to social and emotional learning courses this school year. The state has licensed content from Edgenuity, an education technology company that produces online curriculum for K-12. The content was developed by Purpose Prep, a division of Weld North Education, which owns Edgenuity as well. Purpose Prep specializes in creating SEL curriculum.

Schools will have access to a library of courses, taught by some 80 experts. Teachers may choose to use the activities or full courses to personalize the learning experience for their students. Topics cover intervention on substance abuse, bullying, exploitation, depression and hopelessness, peer pressure and similar areas of concern for teens, as well as courses on fostering SEL development, such as college and career readiness, finding a purpose and working for social justice. The company has also introduced a new learning module in response to COVID-19 that addresses the trauma and loss caused by the pandemic. Students learn about healthy emotional responses and strategies, building and maintaining relationships through chaos and defining purpose through uncertain times.

"We must support our students through the uncertainty of today's environment. Their ability to learn well depends not only on instruction, but also on a sense of belonging, positive relationships and the feedback they receive," said Governor John Bel Edwards, in a statement. "As students have been disrupted from their school routine and disconnected from their teachers, social and emotional support and skills are more essential than ever."