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

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

Academic SEL and Mathematics Curriculum Materials

From the University of Texas Charles A. Dana Center, this brief tool can help determine to what degree your district's math instructional materials and educator practices integrate SEL competencies. While focused on math, much can be applied to other core subjects.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration math

Measuring SEC: How to select a tool for assessing student social and emotional competencies

Use this tool to determine if a social and emotional competency assessment will meet your data needs (as opposed to a mental health screener), and prepare a list of questions to ask when choosing a high-quality assessment for your district.

Key Insights from the Collaborating Districts Initiative

This CASEL report based on 6 years of the CDI initiative includes insights on what makes implementation work, how districtwide SEL has impacted achievement, and how to scale up successful SEL work.

TAGS research brief SEL overview implementation plan conducting local SEL research PK-12 implementation evaluation planning integrate with district priorities building buy-in for SEL youth voice

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

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.

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

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.

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

Social-Emotional Competence: An Essential Factor for Promoting Positive Adjustment and Reducing Risk in School Children

Medium length scientific journal article (Domitrovich, Staley, Durlak, and Weissberg, 2017) reviews research behind SEL and what is known about effective intervention approaches, and proposes an intervention model to promote resilience.

TAGS journal article reading lists - staff SEL competence evidence-based programs district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

Students with Strong Social Skills in Kindergarten More Likely To Thrive As Adults

Short article describing a 20 year study connecting students' social skills in kindergarten to their well-being as adults.

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