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

Oakland SEL Journey Map (infographic)

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

TAGS equity SEL overview implementation plan communications youth voice

Districtwide Professional Learning Audit

This is an example of a third-party audit of a district's SEL professional learning offerings and practices, shared by Sacramento City. This level of analysis may be a helpful model for districts in which SEL work is distributed across many departments.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation plan professional learning

Key Features of High-Quality Standards for SEL

American Institutes for Research and CASEL's guidance for State Education Agencies on developing SEL policies and guidelines, with examples from other states.

TAGS SEL standards board policies implementation support culturally responsive professional learning planning

Climate Survey Results: Staff Debrief

This presentation from Washoe County School District provides one example of how a district coach could guide school staff through interpreting the results of their school climate survey.

TAGS implementation support data dashboards continuous improvement culture and climate planning

SPARK Approach to Positive School Climate

Guide and toolkit for Sacramento's comprehensive school climate model which intertwines principles of restorative disciplinary practices, social and emotional learning, and PBIS. Includes details on school teaming and training.

TAGS PBIS alternatives to suspension anti-bias board policies toolkit relationship skills SEL coaching for staff equity implementation plan restorative practices culture and climate building community student discipline youth voice

SEL Administrator Academy: Implementing Social and Emotional Learning Systemwide to Improve Student Achievement

Presentation for district and school administrators to connect SEL standards with Common Core and workforce skills and how to implement/monitor district-wide SEL. Includes activities that model SEL and a full presenter script.

TAGS board policies SEL overview implementation plan college and career readiness professional learning integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

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.

Book Chapter: Social Emotional Learning: Past, Present and Future

Chapter by Weissberg, Durlak, Domitrovich, and Gullotta that provides a framework and evidence base for SEL and also important factors for quality implementation.

TAGS implementation support reading lists - staff research brief SEL overview evidence-based programs district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

How a District Integrates SEL With Academics (Nashville)

Edutopia's collection of articles and video featuring how SEL has taken root over time in Nashville, with a focus on integrating SEL into daily classroom practices and supporting implementation.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration trauma implementation support videos reading lists - staff CCSS model SEL schools instructional practices classroom level integrate with district priorities building buy-in for SEL