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

AIR’s Social and Emotional Learning Coaching Toolkit

A toolkit for instructional coaches, administrators, and district leaders to support teachers in integrating SEL into daily practices, through planning, observation and feedback.

TAGS implementation support toolkit SEL coaching for staff instructional practices professional learning

Two Part Debriefing Strategy for Reflection and Application

Guidance for SEL presenters to have participants process their reaction to a learning experience and apply it to their work.

TAGS PLC three signature practices self awareness SEL coaching for staff professional learning

Applying an Equity Lens to Social, Emotional, and Academic Development

This issue brief describes 5 major barriers to equitable access to social emotional learning and positive life outcomes, and corresponding opportunities for districts to to dismantle those barriers by approaching SEL in ways that are grounded in equity and justice.

TAGS cultural competence anti-bias trauma board policies SEL competence research brief equity student discipline

What Does Evidence-Based Instruction in Social and Emotional Learning Actually Look Like in Practice?

This brief answers the question: What do school staff actually do in the classroom and school to help students achieve the goals laid out in SEL standards? Describes 4 approaches that together form a comprehensive plan.

TAGS SEL standards research brief implementation plan evidence-based programs instructional practices

The Economic Value of Social and Emotional Learning

A benefit-cost analysis of investments in SEL showing that high-quality, research-validated social and emotional learning programs bring a return of $11 for every $1 invested.

TAGS budgeting fundraising human and financial resource alignment evidence-based programs college and career readiness building buy-in for SEL

Austin Superintendent discusses achievement gaps, social-emotional learning

This short article shows how Austin's Superintendent focused on SEL in his State of the District address.

TAGS communications SEL leadership

Calming Areas Overview and Ideas

A Calming Area is a quiet area of the room equipped with soothing materials and furnishings to help a
student de-escalate and / or practice self-management when upset. This short document includes guidelines and photos.

TAGS classroom management teacher tool self management restorative practices classroom level

It’s Time to Go All-In on Social and Emotional Learning

Dr. Meria Carstarphen, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, writes this opinion piece on the importance of prioritizing SEL districtwide and its impact on key metrics.

TAGS communications SEL leadership

Case Study Compilation

These eleven vignette-style case studies share how educators may embed SEL into instruction and other interactions with students. The included reflection guide makes this a ready-to-use tool for individual, small, or large group professional learning.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration teacher training professional learning