SEL: Best Practices and Barriers to Successful Implementation

From Austin Independent School District's Department of Research and Evaluation, this report shares findings from district case studies that underscore the importance of four key themes that influence the quality and sustainability of SEL implementation.

TAGS implementation support conducting local SEL research implementation monitoring implementation evaluation

Districtwide SEL Action Planning Workbook (APW)

Once district leaders have built a shared understanding of SEL, teams can use this workbook to organize priorities and goals and build a robust action plan to guide their work and exploration of the District Resource Center.

TAGS define SEL metrics implementation plan continuous improvement planning

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

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

SEL Mindfulness Coach Job Description

Job description for Austin's mindfulness coach

TAGS job descriptions hiring practices implementation support mindfulness SEL coaching for staff human and financial resource alignment SEL leadership

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