Communication

Clear, ongoing communication helps build awareness, promotes SEL in classrooms and schools, and makes the case for investing in SEL.

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  Documents

See how districts have strategized and planned to communicate about SEL

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

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

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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.

SOURCE: Oakland Unified School District

TAGS communications professional learning

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.

SOURCE: Washoe County School District

TAGS school board communications community relations

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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.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS building buy-in for SEL

Austin ISD SEL Communications Plan

Austin's communications plan uses a variety of approaches to reach internal and external stakeholders to grow awareness around SEL and strengthen it as a priority.

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

TAGS media relations communications community relations district SEL expertise family and community engagement

Find ready-to-use tools

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

What is SEL? 2 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

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS Adult SEL teacher training communications professional learning

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS teacher training professional learning family and community engagement

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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

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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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS videos SEL overview communications

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS videos

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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.

SOURCE: Collaborative Communications

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.

SOURCE: Collaborative Communications

TAGS communications

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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

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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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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

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.

SOURCE: Collaborative Communications

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

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.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

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.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

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.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

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.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

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.

SOURCE: CASEL and the Montgomery County ESC

TAGS videos self awareness SEL competence communications

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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 ISD SEL Communications Plan

Austin's communications plan uses a variety of approaches to reach internal and external stakeholders to grow awareness around SEL and strengthen it as a priority.

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

TAGS media relations communications community relations district SEL expertise family and community engagement

Washoe County SEL Competencies Posters for Elementary Schools

This poster set from Washoe illustrates the 5 SEL competencies (includes I Can statements and photos of elementary aged children) and includes a summary handout useful for a range of audiences.

SOURCE: Washoe County School District

TAGS teacher tool social awareness self awareness self management relationship skills responsible decision making SEL competence SEL overview elementary school grades communications classroom level

Oakland SEL Competencies Posters for Classrooms

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.

SOURCE: Oakland Unified School District

CASEL’s Wheel of SEL Competencies (English)

CASEL's handout showing the 5 core SEL competencies and definitions and examples of each.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS social awareness self awareness self management relationship skills responsible decision making SEL competence SEL overview

Find presentation templates that you can adapt and use

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS Adult SEL school board building buy-in for SEL

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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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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

Sample Schoolwide SEL 101 Presentation

This presentation can be adapted and used to introduce SEL to staff, families, and community partners. It gives an overview of what is SEL, why it’s important, and the process for schoolwide SEL. Talking points and activity instructions are provided in the notes section. Also available in Spanish.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS three signature practices staff onboarding SEL overview classroom level culture and climate professional learning district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

See artifacts shared by districts and schools

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

What is SEL? 2 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

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.

SOURCE: CASEL

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.

SOURCE: Oakland Unified School District

TAGS communications professional learning

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.

SOURCE: Chicago Public Schools

TAGS videos model SEL schools communications

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

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

SOURCE: Dallas Independent School District

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.

SOURCE: Atlanta Public Schools

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.

SOURCE: Atlanta Public Schools

TAGS videos communications

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.

SOURCE: Sacramento City Unified School District

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.

SOURCE: Chicago Public Schools

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.

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

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

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.

SOURCE: Edutopia

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.

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

TAGS model SEL schools communications community relations

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.

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

TAGS communications SEL leadership

Austin SEL Impact Data Summary

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

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

SEL in El Paso (infographic)

El Paso's succinct infographic describes the "Why" for bring SEL to the district.

SOURCE: El Paso Independent School District

TAGS SEL overview communications building buy-in for SEL

Social and Emotional Learning Benefits All Students and Adults (Brochure)

This 4 page booklet from Oakland describes the SEL vision and accomplishments in the district, and includes classroom discussion indicators for the 5 SEL competencies.

SOURCE: Oakland Unified School District

TAGS SEL overview communications community relations classroom level building buy-in for SEL family and community engagement

Oakland SEL Journey Map (infographic)

This infographic from Oakland presents the district's SEL starting point and vision for transformation.

SOURCE: Oakland Unified School District

TAGS equity SEL overview implementation plan communications youth voice

Snapshot of SEL in Washoe County

Washoe's 2 page snapshot flyer defines SEL, summarizes the impact SEL has had in Washoe schools, and describes key SEL implementation priorities.

SOURCE: Washoe County School District

TAGS fundraising SEL overview implementation plan communications community relations conducting local SEL research building buy-in for SEL family and community engagement

Austin Independent School District SEL Newsletter

Samples of a bilingual newsletter distributed by the SEL department in Austin, including a school spotlight, featured SEL strategy, and family resources.

SOURCE: Austin Independent School District

TAGS parenting reading lists - parents spanish language resources model SEL schools communications community relations family and community engagement

Find resources to help you learn more on this topic

Title Document Type

DRC Documents

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.

SOURCE: National Association of State Boards of Education

TAGS communications community relations 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.

SOURCE: CASEL

TAGS research brief building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

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.

SOURCE: Magazine/Newsletter

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

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.

SOURCE: Sacramento City Unified School District

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.

SOURCE: Edutopia

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

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