SEL 101: What are the core competencies and key settings? (video)

How can you bring social and emotional learning to your community? CASEL's framework for social and emotional learning (SEL) takes a systemic approach, identifying five core competence areas and four key settings.

TAGS videos SEL overview professional learning

Leading with SEL Advocacy Tools

This site provides resources for SEL advocates, including toolkits for parents and school board members. There is guidance for conversations, communications, engaging media outlets, and reaching out to policymakers.

TAGS parenting family partnerships reading lists - parents parent leadership building buy-in for SEL family and community engagement

District SEL Message Map

This example comes from a school division in southeastern Virginia. It provides 3 memorable key messages, succinct supporting details, and statistics to use as talking points or in written communication about SEL.

TAGS media relations communications building buy-in for SEL

SEL Skills Continuum, Adult and PreK-12

This example from a school division in southeastern Virginia includes "I can" statements to describe skills within each of the 5 SEL competency areas. Separate lists for adults, PreK, K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12 show how social and emotional skills are developmental and are expressed differently over time.

TAGS SEL standards

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

The Case for SEL sample presentation

CASEL's presentation introducing SEL and its evidence base can be adapted for a range of audiences, including district leaders and potential community partners or funders.

Completed Sample Template – Multi-year Plan for Districtwide SEL

This sample illustrates how a district team might use the CASEL Theory of Action to reflect on current strengths and challenges and set short and long term goals for districtwide SEL implementation.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation plan planning

Multi-year Plan for Districtwide SEL

Template to accompany the CASEL Theory of Action to reflect on current strengths and challenges and set short and long term goals for districtwide SEL implementation.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation plan planning

Teacher Interview: How Do SEL Skills Come Into Play for You as an Adult? (video)

Interview with a teacher in Anchorage reflecting on her own social and emotional development and how she models for her students.

TAGS Adult SEL videos teacher tool self awareness model SEL schools elementary school grades classroom level

Teacher Interview: Why debrief at the end of an SEL lesson? (video)

A teacher describes how she sets aside time for students to process and debrief a class activity in order so students recognize that they're developing social and emotional skills.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration mindfulness videos teacher training model SEL schools elementary school grades instructional practices classroom level