Strategies and Resources to Support Central Office Expertise

There are a range of approaches you may choose to take when designing professional learning to meet the needs of the various groups you identified as stakeholders. In this document you'll find a few approaches and resources.

TAGS professional learning integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL

Practices of Promise: Creating a Caring Culture Through SEL in Atlanta Public Schools

How can districts weave social and emotional learning throughout their work to foster a systemwide culture of connection and trust? Atlanta Public Schools saw SEL as a key strategy for rebuilding culture and redefining how to pursue desired outcomes. Learn more about their journey and how SEL is a focus in their offices of safety and security and human resources.

TAGS hiring practices SEL partnerships culture and climate integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise

Pursuing Social and Emotional Development Through a Racial Equity Lens: 5 Strategies for System Leaders to Take Action

The Aspen Education & Society Program's recommended strategies for pursuing social, emotional, and academic development through a racial equity lens.

TAGS cultural competence school board anti-bias board policies equity integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise SEL leadership family and community engagement youth voice

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

Social and Emotional Skills for Life and Career: Policy Levers that Focus on the Whole Child

This Policy Snapshot identifies 4 main categories of state and district policy considerations for integrating SEL and preparing teachers and administrators to focus on the whole child.

TAGS school board SEL standards board policies research brief integrate with district priorities SEL leadership

Social Emotional Learning: Goal-Setting and Relationships are Part of District’s Academic Core (video)

Washoe County School District is featured in this video from Edweek, describing the district's process for developing SEL metrics for instructional purposes and growth.

TAGS student assessment videos assessment continuous improvement

Cross-District Visit Observation Tool (Sacramento)

This observation tool was used at CASEL's 2019 Cross District Learning Event in Sacramento. It highlights the intersections of SEL and equity goals in Sacramento City Unified School District.

TAGS equity school visit/observation tool

Washoe County School District 3 Year Implementation Plan – Middle School

A flow chart from Washoe County School District illustrating the process of schoolwide SEL development over 3 years, with roles for district staff, principal, and SEL Leadership Team members.

TAGS implementation plan middle school grades

Washoe County School District 3 Year Implementation Plan – High School

A flow chart from Washoe County School District illustrating the process of schoolwide SEL development over 3 years, with roles for district staff, principal, and SEL Leadership Team members.

TAGS implementation plan high school grades

District SEL Best Practices: Cultivating Shared Leadership for Schoolwide SEL

A district SEL leader from Austin, TX describes their leadership structure and approach to supporting SEL implementation through district SEL specialists who provide coaching and training for cohorts of school-based SEL leaders who in turn work with an SEL steering committee that is representative of the broader school community. This model has been shown to significantly improve implementation.

TAGS implementation support SEL coaching for staff implementation plan