Drive research
We advance the knowledge base about SEL by synthesizing, conducting, and commissioning research and sharing findings from the field.
About the District Resource Center
Supporting the systemic implementation of districtwide, school-based social and emotional learning (SEL) through the use of resources gathered from districts where SEL programs, policies, and practices are working.
The District Resource Center (DRC) is a publication of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the leading organization dedicated to advancing research and evidence-based practice in social and emotional learning (SEL). The DRC is an outcome of CASEL’s Collaborating Districts Initiative (CDI), established in 2011 to support the promotion and implementation of SEL in school districts across the country.
Collaborating with the member districts of the CDI, CASEL has supported systemic implementation of SEL through its District Theory of Action, a comprehensive framework of 16 essential activities for systemically implementing SEL. An evaluation of this initiative shows that CDI participants are seeing improvements in a variety of important outcomes, including SEL competence, school climate, behavior, attendance, graduation rates, and academic achievement. To learn more about the CDI outcomes, please click here.
The District Resource Center shares what has been learned about systemic SEL implementation, including learnings, resources, tools, and artifacts curated from the CDI districts. This website enables district leaders and educators around the country to access information about how these districts approached the work and overcame challenges, highlighting the successes they’ve achieved.
About CASEL
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a trusted source for knowledge about high-quality, evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL). By advancing SEL, CASEL supports education and policy leaders, and enhances the experiences and outcomes for all preK-12 students.
For almost 25 years, CASEL has focused on advancing the science, informing the policy, and promoting evidence-based practices for SEL.
Inform policy
We support states in developing preK-12 SEL policies and guidelines and educate federal policymakers about the evidence to support the value of SEL. In addition, CASEL has secured SEL language in five pieces of pending legislation.
Guide practice
We translate research into action through district partnerships and field-tested resources and tools.
Build a network
Through our convenings, collaborations, and partnerships, we assemble experts, practitioners, and policymakers to accelerate and sustain SEL in districts across the country.
Our work is critical at a time when educators, parents, and students are increasingly united in their call for schools that educate the whole child, inspire all students, and equip them for lasting success. The CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL is one outcome of these efforts. For more information about CASEL and to find additional resources, visit casel.org.
Not sure where to begin?
Use our priority setting questionnaire to reflect on your district’s current SEL implementation and help identify areas for future focus.
Take Priority Setting Questionnaire