What is SEL?

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a process for helping children and adults develop the fundamental skills for life effectiveness. SEL teaches the skills we all need to handle ourselves, our relationships, and our work effectively and ethically. SEL is rooted in brain research. More and more, we are seeing that Tier 1 colleges and universities and Fortune 500 companies value social and emotional skills as a part of their recruitment/hiring processes.

 In a 15 year study on Seattle students who experienced a high-quality SEL program, these students:

• Had higher rates of graduation and college attendance
• Achieved higher rates of employment and economic status
• Experienced better emotional and mental health
• Accrued fewer criminal records and substance abuse issues
• Returned a cost-benefit of $3.14/student fo reach $1.00 invested.

Sources: 1. Hawkins, J. D., Kosterman, R., Catalano, R.F., Hill, K.G., Abboj, R.D. (2005). Positive Adult Functioning Through Social Development Intervention in Childhood: Long-Term Effects from the Seajle Social Development Project. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 159 (1), pp. 25-31. 2. Aos, S., Lieb, R., Mayfield, J., Miller, M., , Pennucci, A. (2004). Benefits and Costs of Prevention and Early Intervention Programs for Youth. Washington State Institute for Public Policy. Accessed from hjp://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rpniles/04-07-3901.pdf.

Further studies have shown that with high-integrity implementation of Social and Emotional Learning:

• Students see an 11% gain in standardized testing in math and reading, a 9% gain in pro-social behavior, and a 9% gain in attitudes about self/others/school
• Students see a 9% reduction in problem behaviors and 10% reduction in emotional distress
• Classroom behavior improves
• Stress and depression is reduced
• Students see long-term impacts on behavioral and academic health

Source: Durlak, J.A., Weissberg, R.P., Dymnicki, A.B., Taylor, R.D., & Schellinger, K. (2011) The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development: 82 (1), 405-432.

For more information, see Additional Resources or visit casel.org. To see WCSD's resources and information on SEL, visit https://www.washoeschools.net/Page/569.

Collective Commitments

The Bohach SEL Team will work relentlessly to implement the five Social and Emotional Competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) schoolwide by supporting teachers and staff in high-quality implementation of Social and Emotional Learning. We commit to educating staff, providing resources and activities, building relationships with the entire Bohach team, and being knowledgeable champions of Social and Emotional Learning and the Sanford Harmony curriculum who are willing to demonstrate and model successful SEL strategies for others.

Bohach Nighthawks will foster the five Social and Emotional Competencies through a student-centered, culturally-responsive, and comprehensive framework of integration, explicit instruction, and culture and climate that unites school staff, students, families, and our community in the work of Social and Emotional Learning. Through our work, we will build a team of teachers and learners that are safe, open, aware, and responsible and are motivated by the intrinsic reward of achievement and community.

Family involvement is a crucial piece of building a culture and climate of Social and Emotional Learning. We will provide meaningful opportunities for families to understand, participate in, and collaborate with SEL activities.  We will build and share a common SEL language to develop and facilitate 2-way communication with our families. Feedback from our families about their experiences and changing needs will be collected and used to improve our partnership. We need to work together with families to ensure that SEL is a priority and a practice both at school and at home.

Social and Emotional Learning is a continuous effort.  The work of SEL is a practice, not a product.  Bohach Nighthawks are committed to improving our Social and Emotional Competences throughout our lives.  As educators, it is imperative that we model, provide students practice, and be responsive to current events in our society and community.  Through these actions, we will achieve our goal of preparing students for long-term success in life.  They will have the tools needed to become responsible, caring citizens in our multicultural and ever-changing society.