Gale Distributing IMAGO SEL Curriculum

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 11/17/21

Library provider Gale is partnering with IMAGO, another education technology company, to distribute a set of online services for K-12. Gale Presents: IMAGO, as it's called, provides video-based social and emotional learning (SEL) and career readiness. The curriculum is intended to be used with students in grades 5-12.

In the platform, students view modules or lessons on SEL topics and respond to study guide questions. The lessons cover five aspects encompassed in the CASEL SEL framework -- self-awareness, relationship skills, social awareness, responsible or ethical decision making and self-management -- with the addition of global awareness. Other topics include career exploration and life and work skills.

The lessons come with facilitator guides with activities, questions and additional resources that a teacher needs to teach lessons in class or remotely. Lessons can be self-study or facilitator-led, depending on teacher preference. Learner responses to these study guide questions provide insight into their perspectives and current skills as well as the impact of lessons on the learners.

The curriculum also includes professional learning, to help teachers learn how to model effective online engagement and social and emotional behaviors.

One school system that has invested in the IMAGO platform is Clark County School District, in Nevada. According to Snehal Bhakta, district career and technical education administrator, the adoption has been a "win-win."

"The content is accessible and easy to use and really gives students that starting point to build their skill set so that they can be successful after high school, whether they go to college or go straight into the workforce," Bhakta said in a press release. "I feel confident in recommending this solution to any school district seeking a flexible option for setting students up for future success."

"We chose to partner with IMAGO because their solution meets a need our customers have expressed for video-based SEL and career readiness lessons," added Shawn Clark, senior vice president of domestic learning at Gale. "This partnership allows us to change students' thinking and behavior that will help them better understand their future options and apply the skills they have learned immediately, with more motivation to learn."

"Our mission is to embed social and emotional learning into every aspect of the human experience to equip students with the critical skills and knowledge for workforce readiness, success and beyond," noted Spencer Wallace, head of growth at IMAGO. "This matters to us because we believe that engaged and fulfilled humans are better prepared to take on the complex challenges of today's world."