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

SEL in Middle School Social Studies

Document describing ways middle grades social studies teachers can support each of the 5 SEL domains through specific lessons & activities and more general teaching practices.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration social studies lesson planning social awareness self awareness self management relationship skills responsible decision making middle school grades instructional practices

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

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

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

Student-led Conferences Introduction

Overview of a Nashville middle school's model for student-led conferences, appropriate for grades 4-12. Search "Student-led conferences" on this site for all resources related to this overview.

TAGS student assessment teacher tool toolkit self awareness student leadership advisory/homeroom middle school grades classroom level family and community engagement youth voice

Enacting Social-Emotional Learning: Lessons from “Outlier Schools” in California’s CORE Districts

This research brief looks at the commonalities among California middle schools that reported stronger-than-typical social emotional learning outcomes. These 6 characteristics are elaborated into recommendations for school districts supporting SEL at scale.

TAGS model SEL schools implementation plan restorative practices advisory/homeroom community relations instructional practices culture and climate building community out of school student discipline

Building Trusting Relationships for School Improvement – Implications for Principals and Teachers

This booklet looks at the importance of trust in school improvement, particularly regarding relationships between teachers and between teachers and administrators. It includes case studies in middle and high schools, a review of relevant research, common obstacles to trust, and actionable strategies for strengthening trust.

TAGS Adult SEL building community

The In-School and Afterschool Social Emotional Learning Connection: A Planning Tool

Tool for afterschool and in-school staff first to reflect independently on their goals for SEL and think about what is being done in each setting to support SEL, then to discuss how to work collaboratively toward a common goal.

TAGS community partnerships SEL partnerships building community MTSS out of school planning building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

Early Lessons from Schools and Out-of-School Time Programs Implementing Social and Emotional Learning

This report details the study of partnerships between schools and out of school time partners working together to implement SEL in a coordinated way, organizing lessons learned into 4 main categories: system-level launch activities, developing partnerships, developing adults' capacity to promote SEL, and improving climate and delivering SEL instruction.

TAGS community partnerships implementation evaluation out of school