Social, Emotional, and Academic Development (SEAD) Assessments: A Framework for State and District Leaders

From EdTrust, this guide offers essential questions to consider when considering how a SEAD assessment fits your local context and purpose, and applies these questions to 11 commonly used  assessments (most of which are open-access).

TAGS assessment continuous improvement

Shared Vision and Plan

FA1.1 – Develop a shared vision and aligned goals for SEL

Communication

FA1.2 – Assess SEL needs and resources

Collaboration

FA1.3 – Develop and execute a district plan for systemic SEL implementation

Systems-Wide Reflection: Indicators of Schoolwide and Districtwide SEL

This chart sets CASEL’s Indicators of Districtwide SEL and Indicators of Schoolwide SEL side by side, with links to further information, suggested implementation processes, and examples. District leaders can use this tool to guide reflection, conversation, and planning about how social and emotional learning (SEL) is integrated throughout systems at the school level and at the district level.

Aligned Resources

FA1.4 – Establish a foundation for continuous improvement

SEL Communications Toolkit for School and District Leaders

Extensive focus groups and surveys have shown that the more people know about SEL, the more supportive they become. This toolkit shares five clear actions for a proactive communications strategy for SEL, including examples of effective messages, cautions, and guidance for developing your own materials.

TAGS communications community relations

FA1.5 – Organize the district to promote collaboration among school and district leaders around SEL, academics, and equity

Integrating Equity and SEL: Classroom Visits and Look-Fors

A Minnesota school district shares a set of learning experiences and classroom walk-through tools to develop a shared understanding of how SEL and equity initiatives intersect in classroom environments and instruction.

TAGS equity school visit/observation tool

FA1.6 – Communicate about SEL as a district priority

FA1.7 – Align financial resources to support SEL

Monthly Newsletter – SEL, Restorative Practices and more

Grand Rapids Public Schools' Department of Social and Emotional Learning sends a monthly newsletter to all schools and administrators to share information, spotlight schools and educators, and strengthen interest in and prioritization of SEL.

TAGS communications

FA1.8 – Implement human resource practices and policies that support SEL

Readiness Considerations for Schoolwide SEL

This reflection tool outlines readiness considerations that could benefit a school community embarking on the process of building a schoolwide SEL effort, and can be useful to district leaders preparing to guide a cohort of schools with SEL implementation. Many of these readiness factors can be reinforced over time and/or built while the school community works towards systemic SEL.

TAGS implementation support model SEL schools professional learning

What Is SEL? A Two-Page Summary

This example from a school division in southeastern Virginia provides a quick and accessible look at the 5 SEL competencies, benefits of SEL, and ways school staff support SEL.

TAGS communications community relations building buy-in for SEL

Classroom SEL Message Map

This example comes from a school division in southeastern Virginia. These key messages and supporting points can be used by classroom teachers to describe how and why they integrate SEL into their classroom, or can be shared as a summary with classroom teachers as the basis for staff discussion.

TAGS teacher tool communications family and community engagement

District SEL Message Map

This example comes from a school division in southeastern Virginia. It provides 3 memorable key messages, succinct supporting details, and statistics to use as talking points or in written communication about SEL.

TAGS media relations communications building buy-in for SEL

SEL Toolkit for School Boards

A quick guide for school board members to help ground SEL conversations in the best interests of students and families, including tools to dispel misinformation with facts and data, then take action to support the social, emotional, and academic learning of every child.

TAGS school board board policies community relations

SEL Toolkit for Parent Champions

A quick guide for parents and caregivers to share accurate information in support of SEL, including tools to ground conversations in facts and data, dispel misinformation, and advocate for high-quality SEL.

TAGS family partnerships parent leadership

An Introduction to SEL online course

CASEL's free, one-hour, virtual learning experience includes reflection prompts, videos, and application activities to introduce SEL to staff members, caregivers, community partners, or anyone interested in SEL.

TAGS Adult SEL teacher training communications professional learning

Focus Area 1 – Build Foundational Support and Plan

Shared Vision and Plan

District-Level Learnings From the Field: Redesigning School District Systems and Structures for Human Thriving

Part of the BELE learning series, this paper explores insights from our equity initiatives in partner districts. It focuses on the conditions necessary to create equitable learning environments that enhance the student experience, and where districts should focus their efforts to sustain meaningful change.

TAGS SEL partnerships equity

Communication

Fellowship Spotlight – Spreading the Word About SEL

SEL Fellow and district leader in Florida Daniel Shapiro describes the effort to communicate about the what, why, and how of SEL in a persuasive and accessible way. Visit https://casel.org/series/sel-fellows-briefs/ for more briefs from SEL Fellows.

Organizational Structure

Fellowship Spotlight – Finding a Focus for Systemic SEL

SEL Fellow and district SEL leader in St. Paul Sara Lein describes their process of developing a shared vision and strategic framework for SEL with more than 400 participants, including students, parents, school district staff, and community members. Visit https://casel.org/series/sel-fellows-briefs/ for more briefs from SEL Fellows.

Align Resources

Plan SEL Foundational Learning for your School District

This tool can help SEL leaders prepare a broad plan to provide learning experiences for all stakeholders in the school district community, and access resources to support foundational learning about SEL.

TAGS teacher training professional learning family and community engagement

Austin ISD – Statement of Purpose

This statement from Austin ISD's Social & Emotional Learning and Cultural Proficiency & Inclusiveness department describes a guiding vision and defines the role of the department.

TAGS cultural competence equity integrate with district priorities

Practices of Promise: Creating a Caring Culture Through SEL in Atlanta Public Schools

How can districts weave social and emotional learning throughout their work to foster a systemwide culture of connection and trust? Atlanta Public Schools saw SEL as a key strategy for rebuilding culture and redefining how to pursue desired outcomes. Learn more about their journey and how SEL is a focus in their offices of safety and security and human resources.

TAGS hiring practices SEL partnerships culture and climate integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise

The Continuous Improvement Journey: Where Are We now and Where Do We Want To Go?

This brief offers a case study focused on Guilford County Schools in North Carolina, to illustrate the experience of a research-practice partnership between CASEL researchers and the district and the use of goal-setting, data, and reflection for continuous improvement.

TAGS research brief conducting local SEL research continuous improvement

2011 to 2021: 10 Years of SEL in U.S. School Districts

Ten years ago, CASEL began collaborating with school district SEL leaders to explore the question - Is it possible to implement SEL systemically to positively impact students across a large urban school district? Not only did districts demonstrate that it was possible, but every district has deepened and expanded SEL implementation since joining the collaborative. This anniversary report details 6 key insights from these districts about how they were able to sustain SEL over the long term, even as the people and contexts within the district changed.

Oakland USD Social and Emotional Learning homepage

Oakland Unified School District's SEL homepage features a mission statement, quotes from school leaders, spotlighted SEL strategies with links to tools and templates, and ways to join different SEL-focused communities of practice.

TAGS communications professional learning

Create an SEL Communication Strategy

From the CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL, school-based or district SEL teams can use this tool to plan communications so that all stakeholders are kept abreast of the work and how they can be involved.

TAGS communications community relations

Sample Schoolwide SEL 101 Presentation (Spanish)

Slides and presenter notes are in Spanish -- This presentation can be adapted and used to introduce SEL to staff, families, and community partners.

TAGS spanish language resources family and community engagement

SEL 101: What are the core competencies and key settings? (video)

How can you bring social and emotional learning to your community? CASEL's framework for social and emotional learning (SEL) takes a systemic approach, identifying five core competence areas and four key settings.

TAGS videos SEL overview professional learning

What is Social and Emotional Learning? (video)

What is Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)? CASEL defined the term more than 25 years ago and is joined by educators, students, parents, and community leaders to help answer that question.

TAGS videos SEL overview communications

Continuous Improvement for Social and Emotional Learning: Establishing Your Goals (video)

This video summarizes a process for setting clear, measurable goals for SEL. For more information and tools about goal setting, explore:
- for school leaders: https://bit.ly/SELactionplan
- for district leaders: https://bit.ly/districtSELplan

TAGS implementation plan continuous improvement

Three Highest Priority Investments to Make in SEL with American Rescue Plan (ARP) Dollars

Policy brief with recommendations for how state and local policymakers and district leaders can prioritize American Rescue Plan (ARP) dollars to invest in social and emotional learning. Appendix includes details on funding eligibility for each kind of SEL investment under ARPA.

Technology and Districtwide SEL: Making SEL a Priority

CASEL collaborated with CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) to describe ways school districts can leverage technology resources to implement districtwide SEL. Find more about how technology can support learning and district decision making at https://www.cosn.org/focus-areas/understanding-educational-environment

TAGS distance learning communications data dashboards

Refocus on the SEL Roadmap: Actions for a Successful Second Semester

CASEL offers 3 strategies for a successful second semester amid the coronavirus pandemic, with action steps, tools, and case examples from our partner school districts.

TAGS distance learning

Recommended Videos

This list contains links to videos that can be used to introduce SEL, strengthen commitment, and discuss key topics with stakeholder groups. Videos are arranged by category and length.

TAGS videos

Focus Area 1 – Build Foundational Support and Plan – Rubric

Districtwide SEL Action Planning Workbook (APW)

Once district leaders have built a shared understanding of SEL, teams can use this workbook to organize priorities and goals and build a robust action plan to guide their work and exploration of the District Resource Center.

TAGS define SEL metrics implementation plan continuous improvement planning

How to talk about SEL with Community Influencers

A report in powerpoint format, provides a summary of the survey findings from NASBE’s SEL Network of five states on effective messaging with community influencers on social, emotional, and academic development.

TAGS communications community relations building buy-in for SEL

Integrating Social, Emotional, and Academic Development (SEAD): An Action Guide for School Leadership Teams

The guide provides practical advice, curated resources, and action steps for school leaders to improve the student experience, calling out specific equity implications in every section to give these issues priority in planning.

TAGS Adult SEL equity culturally responsive culture and climate

SEL Social Media Toolkit

This toolkit is designed to help schools and districts leverage social media channels to amplify SEL messages, and includes sample Facebook and Twitter posts, calendars to help schedule posts, and shareable graphics.

TAGS communications

SEL: What Young People Need to Succeed in School, at Work, and in Life

This designed 2 page infographic can serve as a template for your district's communications about SEL.

TAGS communications

Baltimore City Public Schools SEL Evaluation Framework

Developed with evaluation partner Hanover Research, this document provides a framework for the evaluation of Baltimore's social and emotional learning programming.

TAGS define SEL metrics continuous improvement implementation evaluation

Develop a Long-term SEL Implementation Roadmap

This tool provides a template and step-by-step instructions to help district SEL teams develop a three to five-year roadmap for SEL implementation to achieve the district’s long-term SEL goals and shared vision.

TAGS define SEL metrics implementation plan planning

Districtwide SEL Program and Initiative Inventory

This tool is designed to help district social and emotional learning (SEL) teams learn about past and current SEL-related work being implemented across the district. In combination with the Districtwide SEL Implementation Rubric, this tool serves as a needs and resources assessment to bridge the gap between the district's shared vision and long-term SEL goals and an implementation plan.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation plan continuous improvement planning

Develop Annual Goals and Action Plan for SEL

This tool is designed to help district SEL teams develop goals and an action plan for a single year of districtwide SEL implementation. It builds on a district's shared vision, long-term SEL goals, and SEL implementation roadmap.

TAGS define SEL metrics implementation plan continuous improvement planning

SEL Implementation Guide from Austin ISD

In this resource, Austin Independent School District shares an overview of their SEL story, the results they have seen, and tips learned along the way. This presents a detailed and successful model to share with district leaders who are preparing an implementation plan or just beginning to consider investing in SEL.

TAGS implementation plan communications planning building buy-in for SEL

Funding Streams for SEL

Investing in our Future: Ensuring Student Access to Social and Emotional Learning is a 75-minute webinar on funding SEL featuring, federal, state, and district perspectives. View the webinar at https://youtu.be/AlUyXyzx46Y or download the slides below.

TAGS budgeting fundraising human and financial resource alignment

Washoe County School District 3 Year Implementation Plan – High School

A flow chart from Washoe County School District illustrating the process of schoolwide SEL development over 3 years, with roles for district staff, principal, and SEL Leadership Team members.

TAGS implementation plan high school grades

Washoe County School District Communications Plan, 2013

Communications plan covering four months in the early stages of Washoe County School District's SEL implementation rollout; includes plans to communicate via web, in-person presentation, and print resources with WCSD staff, students, families, and the Board of Trustees.

TAGS school board communications community relations

Washoe County School District 3 Year Implementation Plan – Middle School

A flow chart from Washoe County School District illustrating the process of schoolwide SEL development over 3 years, with roles for district staff, principal, and SEL Leadership Team members.

TAGS implementation plan middle school grades

Thompson School District Strategic Plan

Thompson School District in Loveland, Colorado, deeply imbeds SEL throughout their strategic plan, Strive 2025. The plan includes a Portrait of a Graduate, which guides their SEL vision and the development of SEL standards describing what a student should know and be able to do.

TAGS implementation plan planning SEL leadership

Partnering with School Boards to Promote SEL

Successful districtwide SEL implementation engages board members as partners in the process. This tool includes five considerations for creating robust district and school board partnerships.

TAGS school board

SEL Talking Points for Superintendents

This set of key messages is intended to support the superintendent and other district leaders in regularly communicating about the importance of SEL both formally and informally.

TAGS communications district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

Create a Stakeholder Map to Support a Strategic Plan for SEL

This tool was made to help district leaders (in particular superintendents and designated SEL leaders) identify key stakeholders and determine how best to bring in their voice and support in the process of strategic planning and continuous improvement for districtwide SEL implementation.

TAGS SEL partnerships human and financial resource alignment implementation plan

Using an SEL lens to review the vision and/or mission of a school district or organization

This short activity can be led by a superintendent after a presentation about SEL to board members, or by any leader who wants to facilitate a discussion of how/whether SEL is already positioned within the mission and vision of the district, school, or organization.

TAGS school board integrate with district priorities building buy-in for SEL

The Impact of Social and Emotional Learning (video)

The research is clear: SEL is essential for academic and life success. In this video, district and CASEL leadership highlight data that demonstrates improvements in attendance, drop out rates, suspensions, expulsions, and academic growth.

TAGS videos define SEL metrics continuous improvement building buy-in for SEL

Presentation to the Austin ISD Board

CASEL and district SEL leaders co-led this three hour experiential session with the Board to strengthen and formalize support for SEL. Facilitator notes include a link to presentation slides.

TAGS Adult SEL school board building buy-in for SEL

Ready to Lead: Principals’ Perspectives on How Social and Emotional Learning Can Prepare Children and Transform Schools

This report shows widespread support for SEL among K-12 principals, highlights needs for greater state and district support, and provides policy recommendations. It makes a strong case for investing in SEL.

TAGS research brief building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

The District Resource Center: Essentials

The DRC Essentials is a mini-book that contains a printable summary of the 4 focus areas and 14 key activities that make up CASEL's District Theory of Action, along with a set of core planning tools to help districts organize priorities and goals and build a robust action plan to guide their work.

El Paso SEL Implementation Report

This report on El Paso's first year of SEL implementation answers the questions: How was SEL capacity built? How has SEL impacted climate and perception? How has SEL impacted discipline and attendance? and How do school stakeholders view their implementation success?

TAGS define SEL metrics data dashboards conducting local SEL research implementation evaluation

Austin SEL Strategic Plan

Austin's strategic plan for districtwide SEL implementation includes core beliefs, the district vision, and 5 key priorities for a three year period.

TAGS implementation plan planning integrate with district priorities SEL leadership

Developing Effective Social and Emotional Learning Communication Strategies for your District

This guide from Collaborative Communications will help an SEL team plan a multi-media, 4 step communications outreach plan.

TAGS toolkit media relations communications community relations planning family and community engagement

Funding Case Study: Chicago Public Schools

CASEL's case study of Chicago describes funding sources for their SEL work, budget strategies that other districts can apply, and tables and graphs of SEL expenditures.

TAGS budgeting implementation support district organizational charts SEL partnerships fundraising human and financial resource alignment

Funding Case Study: Austin Independent School District

CASEL's case study of Austin describes funding sources for their SEL work, budget strategies that other districts can apply, and tables and graphs of SEL expenditures.

TAGS budgeting implementation support SEL partnerships fundraising human and financial resource alignment

Create a Shared Vision

Use this worksheet to help develop a districtwide vision that helps establish SEL as integral to high-quality education, and will serve as the basis for the district's SEL goals, plans, allocation of resources, and continuous improvement.

TAGS implementation plan planning integrate with district priorities building buy-in for SEL

Funding Case Study: Washoe County School District

CASEL's case study of Washoe County School District describes funding sources for their SEL work, budget strategies that other districts can apply, and tables and graphs of SEL expenditures.

TAGS budgeting implementation support SEL partnerships fundraising human and financial resource alignment

Funding Case Study: Wheaton-Warrenville Community Unit School District 200

CASEL's case study of Wheaton-Warrenville describes funding sources for their SEL work, budget strategies that other districts can apply, and tables and graphs of SEL expenditures.

TAGS budgeting implementation support SEL partnerships fundraising human and financial resource alignment

Portrait of a Graduate – Framing a Vision for your School System

Battelle for Kids has built out a design process with examples and supporting materials for bringing together stakeholders to co-create a Portrait of a Graduate, i.e. the community's goals for its students.

TAGS building buy-in for SEL family and community engagement

SEL Trends: All Schools Benefit

From CASEL's SEL Trends series, this issue explores how four very high-performing districts have shifted perceptions of SEL to emphasize its benefit to all students, regardless of income or academic performance.

TAGS building buy-in for SEL

A Case for School Connectedness

Short article from Educational Leadership describing the impact of strong school connectedness on academic achievement, behavior, absenteeism, and school completion, as well as and practices that enhance it.

TAGS bullying prevention mental health journal article relationship skills research brief advisory/homeroom middle school grades high school grades culture and climate building community integrate with district priorities

SEL Trends: Empowering Youth Voice

From CASEL's SEL Trends series, this issue describes ways that Chicago, Cleveland and Washoe County school districts have recognized students as experts of the school experience and built structures for students to better influence school and district decisions and practices.

TAGS social studies SEL partnerships student leadership youth voice

SEL Trends: Reorganizing District Central Offices

From CASEL's SEL Trends series, this issue highlights ways districts' organizational structure has shifted to house SEL staff within departments dedicated to teaching and learning, as a reflection of the priority to integrate SEL with academics and yield benefits for all schools and students.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration district organizational charts human and financial resource alignment integrate with district priorities

Responsible Decision Making (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of responsible decision making. Children can make responsible decisions by developing the ability to analyze a situation, understand its ethical implications, and evaluate the consequences. Parents and educators can help students learn to think through all parts of a problem and encourage them to make decisions on their own.

TAGS videos responsible decision making SEL competence communications

Relationship Skills (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of relationship skills. Communication, cooperation and the ability to successfully resolve conflicts are key to successful relationships. Educators can help students develop these skills by working together in groups and discussing roles. Parents can support their children by spending time with them and encouraging communication.

TAGS videos relationship skills SEL competence communications

Social Awareness (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of social awareness. Children can develop social awareness and learn empathy by putting themselves in another's shoes. Tips for parents include helping children to recognize emotions, appreciate diversity and show respect for others.

TAGS videos social awareness SEL competence communications

Self Management (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of self management. Students can learn to manage their feelings and turn them into positive actions. Adults can help by creating a calm and regulated environment, showing how to manage impulses, and discussing ways to resolve conflicts.

TAGS videos self management SEL competence communications

Self Awareness (video)

CASEL and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center collaborated on this video to describe the competency of self-awareness. Parents can help children develop self awareness by being honest about their own emotions. Educators can help by teaching the vocabulary of emotions, modeling behavior, and supporting students as they grow in self-awareness.

TAGS videos self awareness SEL competence communications

Article: Academic Learning + Social-Emotional Learning = National Priority

A 5 page article that describes social and emotional learning and its impact to a broad audience and makes the case for SEL as a district level, state, and national priority in education.

TAGS reading lists - staff SEL competence research brief SEL overview district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

Marcus Garvey Elementary: Exemplary Supportive School

Chicago Public Schools recognizes schools for systemic SEL implementation through a Supportive Schools Certification process. Marcus Garvey Elementary is one of the schools that has earned the highest certification level, and this video illustrates the ways SEL has been integrated into systems and practices.

TAGS videos model SEL schools communications

Districtwide Indicators of SEL Implementation

CASEL’s District Framework identifies key activities for districtwide SEL implementation. When these activities are fully implemented, districts infuse SEL into every aspect of students’ educational experience -- across their classrooms, schools, homes and communities. The indicators below provide evidence of high-quality implementation throughout the district.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation evaluation integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise

Social and Emotional Learning Interventions under ESSA

This free eBook from RAND discusses the opportunities for supporting SEL under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the standards of evidence under ESSA, and SEL interventions that meet the standards of evidence and might be eligible for federal funds through ESSA.

TAGS budgeting fundraising human and financial resource alignment

Indicators of Schoolwide SEL

When fully implemented, schoolwide SEL contributes to more successful and equitable outcomes for young people, and is evidenced by the following indicators.

TAGS model SEL schools culture and climate

SEL: Creating Safe & Supportive Learning Environments (video)

Creating a safe, supportive environment for social and emotional learning (SEL) has been, and remains, a high priority for CASEL. It is inherent in our focus on integrating SEL into all aspects of school and district practice through a systemic approach.

TAGS videos SEL overview district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

Social Emotional Learning in Action at Dallas ISD schools (video)

Three schools in Dallas share how they practice Social Emotional Learning in their campuses.

TAGS videos communications

It’s Time to Go All-In on Social and Emotional Learning

Dr. Meria Carstarphen, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, writes this opinion piece on the importance of prioritizing SEL districtwide and its impact on key metrics.

TAGS communications SEL leadership

Atlanta Public Schools SEL video library

A collection of videos shared on Atlanta's SEL landing page featuring student voices, representing a range of ages.

TAGS videos communications

SELWell Menu of Supports

Boston's Office of Social Emotional Learning & Wellness (SELWell) is made up of a range of departments that work together to improve the social, emotional, and physical health and wellness of all students. This menu includes a snapshot of each contributing team and their services organized by tier.

TAGS trauma SEL partnerships MTSS professional learning

Boston Public Schools Office of Social Emotional Learning & Wellness brochure

Boston's Office of Social Emotional Learning and Wellness (SELWell) is a collaborative department including athletics, health services, health and wellness, behavioral health, and other student support services alongside social and emotional learning instruction.

TAGS SEL partnerships communications

Sacramento City Unified School District Strategic Plan

Sac City's strategic plan integrates SEL and equity objectives throughout and is built around goals of college and career readiness, safety and emotional health, and family and community empowerment.

TAGS equity integrate with district priorities

Chicago School Climate Standards and Self-Assessment

The Chicago Public Schools' School Climate Standards includes 17 key indicators organized into four domains: School-wide Environment and Leadership, Physical and Emotional Safety, Relational Trust, and Teaching and Learning. This document also includes a self-assessment to support school-level continuous improvement and resources to include student voice assessing school climate.

TAGS define SEL metrics implementation monitoring culture and climate youth voice

Oakland SEL Competencies Posters for Classrooms (Spanish)

This poster set illustrating the 5 SEL competencies were distributed by Oakland's team to all schools, along with suggested activities for introducing each poster/concept to a classroom community.

TAGS teacher tool social awareness self awareness self management relationship skills responsible decision making SEL competence SEL overview advisory/homeroom communications classroom level

Fund Development Webinar for SEL Leads: Slides

Slides handout accompanying CASEL's webinar about pursuing foundation/philanthropic funding for SEL.

TAGS SEL partnerships fundraising human and financial resource alignment planning

SEL Budget Planning Tool

This spreadsheet guides you through a 3 step process (1 tab for each step) to compare financial tradeoffs of different implementation strategies, draft your district's SEL budget, and discuss and adjust your budget.

TAGS budgeting human and financial resource alignment implementation plan

Fund Development Webinar for SEL Leads

SEL Leads and foundation representatives participate in CASEL's webinar about current foundation-funded projects and strategies. Learn 6 steps for pursuing foundation/philanthropic funding.

TAGS SEL partnerships fundraising human and financial resource alignment planning SEL leadership

SEL District Cost Modeling Discussion Guide

This discussion guide includes questions to help you analyze and apply the output from the cost estimator (drc.casel.org/cost-estimator) as you refine your SEL budget plan.

TAGS budgeting human and financial resource alignment

Strengths and Needs Inventory: Vision, Priority, and SEL Alignment

This initial activity walks your team through a high-level inventory of your district’s social and emotional learning (SEL) strengths and needs. The goal is to obtain clarity about your district’s long-term vision, current district priorities and how SEL aligns with them.

Logic Model Template and Example

Your strategic plan is intended to move your district from its current state to where you want to be. It’s helpful to begin your strategic plan with a logic model to create a clear connection between your implementation strategies and your ultimate goals.

TAGS implementation plan planning integrate with district priorities

Districtwide SEL Needs and Resources Assessment

Before, during, or after completing the Districtwide SEL Implementation Rubric, use this template as note-taking space to examine existing needs and resources around SEL implementation.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation plan planning

Chicago Public Schools Three-Year Vision

Chicago's vision and plan integrates SEL throughout its priorities, highlighted best in the section on safe and supportive learning environments.

Washoe County School District 4 Fundamentals

A summarized view of the district vision (curriculum & instruction, inclusive practice, climate & engagement, and multi-tiered systems of support).

TAGS implementation plan MTSS planning integrate with district priorities SEL leadership

SEL in Sacramento City USD (video)

5 minute video featuring SEL in action in schools in Sacramento, with footage of classrooms at a range of grade levels and teacher & administrator interviews.

TAGS videos advisory/homeroom middle school grades high school grades elementary school grades

Inside Chicago Public Schools: SEL at Marcus Garvey Elementary (video)

Video featuring Marcus Garvey Elementary, a K-8 school in Chicago that has been using SEL schoolwide for many years. Includes interviews with a student and teachers at 3 grade levels.

TAGS videos model SEL schools middle school grades elementary school grades communications culture and climate building buy-in for SEL youth voice

Austin ISD: Social and Emotional Learning Creates a Foundation for Success (Video)

This video from Austin shows SEL lessons taking place in a range of elementary classrooms and shares the perspectives of students, teachers, administrators, and district staff on the benefits of SEL.

TAGS videos SEL overview model SEL schools elementary school grades communications family and community engagement

Baltimore City Schools’ Blueprint for Success

Baltimore City Schools' vision lays out the district's priorities around SEL, literacy, and leadership.

Sacramento SEL Board Training

Sacramento's presentation to the Board, sharing evidence of effectiveness of SEL implementation at pilot sites.

TAGS school board budgeting fundraising SEL overview implementation plan college and career readiness professional learning integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise

Emotional Intelligence: A Factor in Student Success (Video in Spanish)

Univison segment featuring preschool students and their families in a Sacramento school, and how SEL has supported their transition.

TAGS mental health videos spanish language resources communications family and community engagement

5 Keys to Social and Emotional Learning Success (video)

Edutopia video that provides an overview of the 5 SEL competency framework and features a school in Oakland.

TAGS videos SEL competence SEL overview communications building buy-in for SEL

CARE for Kids – A Breakthrough in Social and Emotional Learning (video)

This video from Edutopia features classroom meetings taking place in Jefferson County schools, and includes short interviews from the Superintendent and school-based staff and students.

TAGS videos relationship skills advisory/homeroom instructional practices classroom level culture and climate building community building buy-in for SEL youth voice

SEL Department Home Page: Austin

Austin's community-facing SEL webpage invites viewers to take a tour of model campuses and learn more about implementation in the district.

TAGS model SEL schools communications community relations

CASEL’s SEL for Parents (Spanish)

Video in Spanish describes SEL for a parent audience and provides strategies to bring SEL into the home, aligned with the 5 SEL competencies. Features schools in Chicago and includes interviews with parents and caregivers.

TAGS videos spanish language resources social awareness self awareness self management relationship skills responsible decision making SEL competence SEL overview out of school family and community engagement

CASEL’s SEL for Parents (English)

Video describes SEL for a parent audience and provides strategies to bring SEL into the home, aligned with the 5 SEL competencies. Features schools in Chicago and includes interviews with parents and caregivers.

TAGS videos social awareness self awareness self management relationship skills responsible decision making SEL competence SEL overview out of school family and community engagement

Austin Superintendent discusses achievement gaps, social-emotional learning

This short article shows how Austin's Superintendent focused on SEL in his State of the District address.

TAGS communications SEL leadership

El Paso SEL Implementation Plan

El Paso's plan lays out a map for rolling out SEL to Central Office and in all schools over a 6 year period, with differentiated goals and support planned for each of 5 school cohorts.

TAGS PBIS implementation plan integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise SEL leadership

Track Your School’s Progress Toward Implementing Schoolwide SEL

Part of CASEL's Guide to Schoolwide SEL, this page includes a rubric and planner, a walkthrough protocol to look for signs of high-quality implementation, and a staff survey to gather staff perceptions to inform decisions and next steps.

TAGS define SEL metrics assessment school visit/observation tool implementation monitoring

SEL Coaching Coordinator Support Roles

T chart describing what El Paso's SEL coaches do and don't do as they support schools with SEL implementation.

TAGS job descriptions implementation support SEL coaching for staff human and financial resource alignment

Completed Sample Template – Multi-year Plan for Districtwide SEL

This sample illustrates how a district team might use the CASEL Theory of Action to reflect on current strengths and challenges and set short and long term goals for districtwide SEL implementation.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation plan planning

Multi-year Plan for Districtwide SEL

Template to accompany the CASEL Theory of Action to reflect on current strengths and challenges and set short and long term goals for districtwide SEL implementation.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation plan planning

Social and Emotional Learning, Explained (video)

Education Week staff writer Evie Blad briefly and humorously explains some of the core ideas of SEL, how districts approach implementation, and the challenge of measuring SEL -- a simple and neutral video summary for district stakeholders beginning to think about SEL implementation.

Develop Long-Term Goals for Districtwide SEL

This tool explains how to set long-term SMARTIE-style goals for districtwide SEL implementation. Provides guidelines to get the committee started, step-by-step instructions for defining goals that reflect the district's shared vision, and examples.

TAGS define SEL metrics continuous improvement implementation evaluation planning

The Case for SEL sample presentation

CASEL's presentation introducing SEL and its evidence base can be adapted for a range of audiences, including district leaders and potential community partners or funders.

TAGS fundraising research brief SEL overview communications community relations college and career readiness integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise

Convening a Cross-Functional Advisory Council for SEL: Resources, Best Practices, and Suggestions

Key considerations for districts as they build a council consisting of members from different organizations and departments to align social and emotional learning between in-school and out-of-school time settings.

TAGS community partnerships community relations out of school

The Grantsmanship Center: State Grant Resources

A map of grants that are currently open for application, lists of state funding resources and other helpful organizations in all states.

TAGS budgeting SEL partnerships fundraising

SEL 3 Signature Practices introductory video – Adult SEL

Video describing the SEL 3 signature practices (welcoming inclusion activity, engaging practices, and optimistic closure) and how to use them in settings with adults, such as a meeting or professional learning.

TAGS PLC mindfulness three signature practices videos self awareness SEL coaching for staff building community professional learning district SEL expertise

Sacramento City Districtwide SEL Program Inventory

This is an example of a third-party report on SEL programs and practices throughout the district, shared by Sacramento City, including a site level inventory as well as findings and recommendations regarding implementation and monitoring.

TAGS assessment evidence-based programs data dashboards conducting local SEL research continuous improvement implementation monitoring implementation evaluation

School and Classroom Walkthrough Rubric (Nashville)

Nashville's clear, succinct yet detailed rubric collects data on schoolwide environment, community gatherings, classroom instruction, classroom environment & discipline in order to provide rich, actionable feedback to schools.

TAGS implementation support define SEL metrics assessment school visit/observation tool data dashboards conducting local SEL research continuous improvement implementation monitoring implementation evaluation

Data Sources to Analyze SEL Implementation and Outcomes

Use this tool as you consider what kind of data you will need and find data sources you can use to assess progress toward your SEL goals.

TAGS student assessment define SEL metrics assessment conducting local SEL research continuous improvement implementation evaluation

On the Road to Collecting SEL Data

This presentation from Keeneyville School District describes their timeline of districtwide SEL implementation, the development of their walk-through protocol, and the way observaton data has been shared and used to drive improvement.

TAGS define SEL metrics assessment school visit/observation tool conducting local SEL research continuous improvement implementation evaluation

Washoe County’s 17 Item Student Social and Emotional Competency Self Report

Summary of the process of developing a 17 item student self-assessment of SEL used in Washoe, including the use of student focus groups, with results and connection to achievement and behavior outcomes. Item text is included.

TAGS student assessment define SEL metrics assessment data dashboards conducting local SEL research continuous improvement implementation evaluation youth voice

Are You Ready to Assess Social and Emotional Development?

Toolkit from AIR providing key background information about SEL assessment to weigh risks and benefits, a decision tree, and a comprehensive index of validated tools for measuring SEL outcomes.

TAGS student assessment toolkit define SEL metrics assessment conducting local SEL research continuous improvement implementation evaluation

Sample Fundraising Event Invite Featuring Student Work

Poster created for a fundraising event in Sacramento -- The Art of Caring -- featuring student performances and a local artist.

TAGS arts SEL partnerships fundraising communications youth voice

Cleveland Teachers Union Agreement

See article 15, sections 19-24 (beginning on page 70) to see provisions regarding the role of the district’s HumanWare/Social Emotional Learning Committee, the use of Classroom Meetings, and more.

TAGS board policies job descriptions staff onboarding human and financial resource alignment

Interview Questions for Superintendent Candidates and other District Leadership

Sample interview questions for superintendent candidates to understand their experience, vision, depth of knowledge, and prioritization of SEL.

TAGS hiring practices staff onboarding human and financial resource alignment integrate with district priorities

Research Analyst Job Description

Job description for a data analyst who can assist an SEL team by developing evaluation designs, managing and overseeing data collection and analysis, and reporting evaluation results.

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices human and financial resource alignment continuous improvement implementation evaluation

Austin SEL Impact Data Summary

This 2 page brief was shared with families to describe the impact SEL has had on Austin schools.

Sample Fundraising Event Invite with Outside Expert

Poster created for a fundraising event in Atlanta

TAGS SEL partnerships fundraising human and financial resource alignment communications

Sample Fundraising Event Invite with Multiple Hosts

Poster created for a fundraising event in Sacramento

TAGS SEL partnerships fundraising human and financial resource alignment communications

SEL Specialist Job Description

Job description for Austin's SEL specialists

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

The Economic Value of Social and Emotional Learning

A benefit-cost analysis of investments in SEL showing that high-quality, research-validated social and emotional learning programs bring a return of $11 for every $1 invested.

SEL Coach Job Description

Job description for Austin's SEL coaches

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support SEL coaching for staff human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

SEL Mindfulness Coach Job Description

Job description for Austin's mindfulness coach

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support mindfulness SEL coaching for staff human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

SEL Assistant Director Job Description

Job description for Austin's assistant director of SEL, managing planning, implementation, and supervision of the SEL department coaches.

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

Director of SEL and MTSS Job Description

Job description and required exprience and knowledge for Director of SEL and MTSS, who leads a large SEL team and liaises with other departments and outside partners.

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

SEL Coach Job Description

Job description for an SEL coach who leads SEL professional development and coaching for a portfolio of schools.

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support SEL coaching for staff human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

SEL Coordinator Job Description

Job description and requirements for an SEL Coordinator role that works closely with the Department of Teaching and Learning.

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

Assistant Superintendent of SEL Job Description

Job description for Assistant Superintendent of SEL and Wellness, which also oversees a range of student support services including health and counseling.

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

Executive Director Job Description

Baltimore's job posting for an Executive Director for their Whole Child Services and Support department, including a job summary, essential functions, and qualifications.

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

Coordinator SEL Parent Outreach Job Description

El Paso's job posting for a coordinator for SEL-focused family outreach, including key knowledge, skills, and responsibilities.

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

Mid-sized District Organizational Chart

Sacramento City's org chart shows SEL housed within curriculum & instruction.

TAGS district organizational charts human and financial resource alignment integrate with district priorities

SEL and MTSS District Office Organizational Chart

Organizational chart for Austin, showing how the SEL team is situated among other complementary teams.

District Organizational Chart: SEL within Student Equity and Opportunity

Denver Public Schools' Student Equity and Opportunity Office includes SEL within the larger category of Whole Child Support

TAGS district organizational charts human and financial resource alignment integrate with district priorities

Job Interview Questions for Teachers and Other Staff

Interview questions for school staff that probe for SEL knowledge and mindset, relationship-building strategies, and the candidate's approach to equity. Includes "listen for" details.

TAGS hiring practices staff onboarding human and financial resource alignment classroom level

Sacramento City Districtwide SEL Program Inventory