What does SEL look like in elementary, middle, and high school?

This curated list of articles and videos illustrate what SEL looks like in elementary, middle, and high school settings. Explore these links to deepen your knowledge and find grade-differentiated resources for professional learning and planning.

TAGS middle school grades high school grades elementary school grades

Promoting SEL in the Middle and High School Years

This brief from Pennsylvania State University reviews the current landscape of universal school-based programs designed to promote social and emotional growth in middle and high school students through skill-focused programs, academic integration, teaching practices, and organizational reform.

TAGS middle school grades high school grades evidence-based programs

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

SEL in High School English Language Arts

Document describing ways secondary ELA teachers can support each of the 5 SEL domains through specific lessons & activities and more general teaching practices.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration english/language arts lesson planning social awareness self awareness self management relationship skills responsible decision making high school grades instructional practices

Nashville’s Strategic Plan for High Schools

Nashville's 3 year plan for high schools includes strategies, action steps, and yearly goals for leadership, teaching, and curriculum with highlighted connections to social and emotional learning throughout.

TAGS student leadership implementation plan restorative practices high school grades college and career readiness planning integrate with district priorities

RFP for SEL Curriculum for High School

Atlanta's full Request for Proposals for High School SEL programs with sample ad, timeline, and scope of work.

TAGS contracting school board human and financial resource alignment evidence-based programs

The Case for PreSchool through High School State Learning Standards for SEL

Chapter providing a research review about the importance of state SEL standards for all grade levels, components of high quality standards, examples from states, and areas of overlap with other standards.

TAGS school board SEL standards board policies research brief PK-12 integrate with district priorities building buy-in for SEL

Washoe County SEL Standards – Language for Primary Grades

Washoe County School District adapted their SEL standards to make them more accessible in early childhood settings.

TAGS SEL standards elementary school grades

Case Study: Austin Independent School District Process for Developing SEL Standards

SEL standards from Austin and contextual information on how they are used and measured.

TAGS SEL standards board policies middle school grades high school grades elementary school grades PK-12

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