As schools across the country enter the second half of the school year, many students will make new transitions — from distance learning back to in-person learning, or vice versa — and social and emotional learning (SEL) remains as important as ever. During this time, young people need safe, supportive learning environments to process their emotions and reflect critically on the violent attack on January 6th at the U.S. Capitol. To help educators, family members, caregivers, and community partners support the social and emotional needs of our young people, CASEL has shared two resources:
Refocus on the SEL Roadmap: Actions for a Successful Second Semester
In July 2020, CASEL collaborated with more than 40 partners to illuminate a way forward as educators nationwide prepared to welcome students and adults back to school — in whatever form that took. The SEL Roadmap centered on relationships and built on the existing strengths of a school community.
As second semester begins, now is the time to refocus on supportive relationships, equitable environments, and the academic, social, and emotional development and overall well-being of all students and adults. Our update, “ Refocus on the SEL Roadmap,” provides key strategies to help prepare for a successful second semester, including examples from schools districts nationwide that have prioritized SEL this year.
SEL Guidance in Response to the 2020 Election and the Violent Attack on January 6th
Before the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, CASEL released curated guidance to help educators and young people work through big questions about our nation and continue their civic participation. In response to the violent attack on January 6th at the U.S. Capitol, we continue our commitment to support educators, schools, and young people in leveraging social and emotional learning to create safe, supportive, and equitable learning environments where all people can heal and thrive. CASEL invites educators and leaders to use our curated guidance to reflect on their social and emotional competencies and foster a learning environment that supports all students and adults in their community.
