Social and Emotional Safety
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults aquire and effectively apply the knowedge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for othersm establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
There are five Core SEL Competencies. Each plays a role in enhancing students' capacity to integrate skills, attitudes, and behaviors to effectively and ethically deal with daily tasks and challenges. All students in grades K-8 are explicitly taught and engage in lessons to acquire these SEL skills.
Self-Awareness
The ability to accurately recognize one's own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they infuence behavior. The ability to accurately assess one's strengths and limitations, with a well-grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a "growth mindset."
Self-management
The ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and
behaviors in different situations — effectively managing stress, controlling
impulses, and motivating oneself. The ability to set and
work toward personal and academic goals.
Social awareness
The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources for supports.
Relationship skills
The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.
Responsible decision-making
The ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns and social norms. The realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and a consideration of the well-being of oneself and others.