Social and Emotional Learning
SEL Gaining Substantial Traction in K–12
Social and emotional learning are making strides in K–12.
According to a new
study, more educators are aware of SEL and believe in its value
for student academic success and wellbeing and see it as a tool that
can be or has been helpful in transitioning back to in-person
instruction.
The 2021
Social and Emotional Learning Report, from education publisher
McGraw Hill, which was a follow-up to a study on SEL published in
2018, found that teachers are more aware now than they were in 2018
about their districts' plans for implementing SEL (91% compared with
77%). More than half of educators (56%) say their districts or
schools have begin implementing SEL. And among administrators, more
than double said they are implementing a standalone SEL program in
their schools or districts (34% this year compared with 16% in 2018).
Educators are also very confident in the positive effects of SEL.
According to the report:
-
96% of educators reported they believe SEL will help reduce
behavioral problems, notably bullying, (95%), disengagement (94%),
safety-related issues (93%), poor relationships with teachers (91%)
and the negative effects of transitioning from remote to in-person
instruction (91%);
-
91% indicated they believe it will help improve grades; and
-
95% said it will help reduce emotional distress.
Parents also appear to be largely onboard with SEL. According to
the report, 87% of parents say SEL is "important in helping
children navigate today's world."
The complete
report is freely available at mheducation.com.
About the Author
David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 29-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEDavidNagel (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).