2011 to 2021: 10 Years of SEL in U.S. School Districts

Ten years ago, CASEL began collaborating with school district SEL leaders to explore the question - Is it possible to implement SEL systemically to positively impact students across a large urban school district? Not only did districts demonstrate that it was possible, but every district has deepened and expanded SEL implementation since joining the collaborative. This anniversary report details 6 key insights from these districts about how they were able to sustain SEL over the long term, even as the people and contexts within the district changed.

Key Stakeholders for an SEL Vision

This chart lists participants to involve in the drafting of a district vision for SEL.

TAGS planning integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

Oakland Academic Social Emotional Learning Guidance Document

Oakland's guidance document for school leaders describes the district's mission, vision, and tools for measuring success and describes how SEL is part of instructional priorities and multi-tiered systems of support.

TAGS SEL and Academic Integration english language learners define SEL metrics CCSS equity culturally responsive continuous improvement instructional practices culture and climate MTSS integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise 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.

TAGS fundraising research brief SEL overview communications community relations college and career readiness integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise

SEL Central Office Professional Learning Community Description

Sacramento's overview and invitation to other central office departments to participate in a district-level SEL professional learning community.

TAGS Adult SEL implementation support PLC SEL partnerships professional learning integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise building buy-in for SEL SEL leadership

Strengths and Needs Inventory: Vision, Priority, and SEL Alignment

This initial activity walks your team through a high-level inventory of your district’s social and emotional learning (SEL) strengths and needs. The goal is to obtain clarity about your district’s long-term vision, current district priorities and how SEL aligns with them.

Social and Emotional Learning in the Daily Life of Classrooms

Facilitator guide and materials for a 6 hour session aimed at state and district leaders, outlining ways to integrate an SEL emphasis into policy and planning, draw connections between SEL and instructional priorities, and support school leaders to guide teachers to reflect on their own teaching practices and SEL competencies.

TAGS Adult SEL CCSS professional learning integrate with district priorities district SEL expertise

SEL Trends: Using Data for Improvement

CASEL profiles Austin ISD, El Paso ISD, Nashville Metropolitan School District, and Washoe County School District, about how district leaders in SEL and research have worked together to use data to improve implementation of their SEL strategies. Includes links to artifacts and research reports from the districts.

TAGS define SEL metrics assessment data dashboards conducting local SEL research implementation evaluation

Districtwide SEL Program and Initiative Inventory

This tool is designed to help district social and emotional learning (SEL) teams learn about past and current SEL-related work being implemented across the district. In combination with the Districtwide SEL Implementation Rubric, this tool serves as a needs and resources assessment to bridge the gap between the district's shared vision and long-term SEL goals and an implementation plan.

TAGS needs and resources assessment implementation plan continuous improvement planning

Austin SEL Strategic Plan

Austin's strategic plan for districtwide SEL implementation includes core beliefs, the district vision, and 5 key priorities for a three year period.

TAGS implementation plan planning integrate with district priorities SEL leadership