Priority Setting: Focus Area 1

Why is an SEL communication plan important?

Clear, ongoing communication about SEL is a key strategy for successful implementation.  It helps stakeholders understand what SEL is, increases awareness of the research and findings about the benefits of SEL, promotes SEL in classrooms and schools, and makes the case for investing in SEL.

Why is it important to promote collaboration around SEL, academics, and equity?

SEL is a powerful lever for advancing deep academic learning and educational equity.  When school and district leaders align their efforts around SEL, academics, and equity they can have a greater impact in advancing life opportunities and outcomes for all students.

Why is it important to align resources to support SEL?

Dedicated, long-term funding and staff to support implementation are key for sustaining SEL initiatives, and send a strong message to teachers, parents, district and community leaders, and other stakeholders that SEL is a priority.

Why is it important to strengthen central office SEL expertise?

When leaders in the central office understand the practices and benefits of SEL, they are able to promote and sustain systemic SEL implementation by advocating and budgeting for SEL, identifying specific opportunities within their departments for SEL integration, and making SEL-informed decisions about how best to support schools and students.

Why is an SEL professional learning program important?

Through effective professional learning, you can ensure that educators and staff in your district understand what SEL is, how building adult and student SEL competence supports critical long-term outcomes for students, and what strategies they can implement in their work toward this goal.

Why is adult social, emotional, and cultural competence important?

Adults who have strong social and emotional skills build trusting relationships, exhibit patience and empathy, collaborate productively with colleagues, model skills for students, and positively contribute to the overall organizational climate. Cultural competence helps educators create supportive, equitable learning environments and forge meaningful partnerships with families and communities through a stronger appreciation of diverse cultures and values.

Why is it important to build trust, community and collective efficacy among staff?

When staff have trusting relationships with their colleagues and feel a sense of community and shared purpose, they can work more collaboratively and effectively to support systemic SEL implementation.

Why are SEL learning standards important?

SEL standards or guidelines help to establish developmentally-appropriate and culturally-responsive benchmarks for SEL and send the message that SEL is a core part of every students’ education.

Why is it important to adopt evidence-based SEL programs?

Evidence-based SEL programs have been scientifically evaluated and shown to produce positive student outcomes including stronger academic performance, improved behavior and motivation, and reduced emotional distress.  The implementation of evidence-based programs is key to providing consistent, high-quality SEL opportunities for all students.

Why is it important to plan for continuous improvement?

When districts plan for continuous improvement, they help ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of SEL implementation. Well-planned continuous improvement approaches provide structured opportunities for schools and districts to learn from both their successes and challenges, adapting their approach along the way and adjusting strategies as the needs of their stakeholders evolve.

Why is it important to document implementation and outcomes?

When a district documents how a plan is being implemented and the successes and challenges they encounter, they have a richer source of data that helps them to interpret outcomes and adjust plans.

Why is it important to report and reflect on implementation and outcome data?

When districts share data that shows students’ views, strengths, and needs and highlights disparities between prioritized student groups, district, and school staff and the larger community are able to explore and address root causes to drive stronger, more equitable outcomes.

Why is it important to develop and share a data-informed action plan?

This key step in the cycle of continuous improvement is what enables a district to learn from experience and take action to address implementation challenges and make progress toward desired outcomes.  By communicating action plans to key stakeholders, districts show that they are responsive to their input and committed to sustaining SEL as a district priority.