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

SEL: Why Students Need It. What Districts are Doing About It.

Education First produced this implementation-focused booklet aimed at policymakers, funders, and school/district staff. Featuring Anchorage, Sacramento, and Bridgeport, Connecticut.

TAGS SEL overview model SEL schools implementation plan evidence-based programs planning integrate with district priorities building buy-in for SEL

PBIS and SEL Slides

Brief powerpoint introduction to the similarities between PBIS and SEL, useful for schools that are committed to PBIS and beginning to explore more explit approaches to SEL.

TAGS PBIS evidence-based programs culture and climate

The Neuroscience of SEL (Video)

20 minute lecture by Richard Davidson on the neuroscience of emotions and emotional response, and how SEL trains and changes the brain. Best for educating SEL leaders or building buy in with audiences looking for a scientific basis for SEL.

TAGS Adult SEL mental health videos research brief teacher training evidence-based programs professional learning district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

Preparing to Select an Evidence-Based Program in Portland Public Schools

In this webinar you can hear from Portland Public Schools about the process they took to prepare for adoption of an SEL program.

TAGS evidence-based programs

Practices of Promise: Exploring Ways to Share the Power Toward Equitable Decision-Making in Portland Public Schools

How can a school district select an SEL program that aligns with its commitment to equity and social justice through an inclusive process that also demonstrates and deepens that commitment? This brief describes Portland's approach that brought many voices to the table, shared decision-making power, built trust, and centered the district's equity work.

TAGS evidence-based programs family and community engagement youth voice

Planning Professional Learning for Evidence-Based Programs

This tool from CASEL's Guide to Schoolwide SEL helps a team answer important questions, assign tasks, and set a timeline to provide initial training and ongoing support for any evidence-based SEL program.

Guiding Principles – A Resource Guide for Improving School Climate and Discipline

These guiding principles from the U.S. Department of Education are organized around concepts of creating positive school climate, providing evidence-based supports, promoting social and emotional learning, providing training on positive engagement with students and equitable practices, and adopting an instructional approach to school discipline.

TAGS alternatives to suspension anti-bias student discipline

Planning Engaging, SEL-Infused Professional Learning

CASEL has shared this planning template with breakout session presenters at CASEL-coordinated events to ensure that presentations are objective driven, evidence-based, action-oriented, and use techniques that activate social and emotional skills.

TAGS teacher training professional learning

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.