District-Level Learnings From the Field: Redesigning School District Systems and Structures for Human Thriving

Part of the BELE learning series, this paper explores insights from our equity initiatives in partner districts. It focuses on the conditions necessary to create equitable learning environments that enhance the student experience, and where districts should focus their efforts to sustain meaningful change.

TAGS SEL partnerships equity

Washoe County School District SEL Data Information Site

Washoe's data webpage shares their SEL standards, their formal and informal approaches to measuring SEL growth, and rich, easy to read displays of data.

TAGS student assessment SEL standards define SEL metrics SEL overview communications data dashboards conducting local SEL research building buy-in for SEL family and community engagement

Retreat to Improve District Support of SEL Practice – Agenda and Challenge Areas

Cleveland hosted a retreat with support from AIR, CASEL, PATHS, and their teachers' union to address challenge areas and improve how SEL is integrated into district priorities.

TAGS implementation support SEL partnerships professional learning integrate with district priorities SEL leadership

Using an SEL lens to review the vision and/or mission of a school district or organization

This short activity can be led by a superintendent after a presentation about SEL to board members, or by any leader who wants to facilitate a discussion of how/whether SEL is already positioned within the mission and vision of the district, school, or organization.

TAGS school board integrate with district priorities building buy-in for SEL

Key Stakeholders for an SEL Vision

This chart lists participants to involve in the drafting of a district vision for SEL.

TAGS planning integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

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.

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

SEL Central Office Professional Learning Community Agenda

An agenda from Sacramento's SEL professional learning community for central office staff to better align district departments to improve adult practices and student SEL outcomes.

TAGS Adult SEL implementation support PLC SEL partnerships professional learning district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

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.

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

Guiding Questions for Educators: Promote Equity Using SEL in your District

When social and emotional learning (SEL) is implemented with a culturally responsive lens, educators can use SEL to cultivate equitable learning opportunities, responsive relationships, and inclusive practices. This resources features reflection questions for district-level educators to explore the CASEL core competencies through an equity lens.

See also: Guiding Questions for Educators: Promote Equity Using SEL in your School

TAGS cultural competence Adult SEL equity culturally responsive

SEL 3 Signature Practices introductory video – Adult SEL

Video describing the SEL 3 signature practices (welcoming inclusion activity, engaging practices, and optimistic closure) and how to use them in settings with adults, such as a meeting or professional learning.

TAGS PLC mindfulness three signature practices videos self awareness SEL coaching for staff building community professional learning district SEL expertise