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Social–emotional learning (SEL) is defined as the process through which people develop healthy identities, manage emotions, activate empathy for others, establish and maintain relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. In recent years, social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a renewed nationwide focus on racial injustice led to an increase in the adoption of SEL programs in schools. These programs aim to support students’ mental health and well-being, social and emotional development, and experiences of inclusion and belonging.

In part 1 of our educator audiocast series, we spoke to two staff members, Carla Montes from Lompoc High School and Lisa Bowdoin from Duarte High School, about their experiences implementing SEL through classroom and schoolwide practices. SEL adoption tends to focus on three areas: developing students’ SEL competencies, embedding SEL into classroom instruction, and creating schoolwide programs and practices.

View the transcript from this audiocast

Download the brief