Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions (CASEL, 2017).

• Nine out of 10 teachers believe social and emotional skills can be taught and benefit students. Four in five teachers want more support to address students’ social and emotional development.

• Ninety-seven percent of principals believe a larger focus on social and emotional learning will improve students’ academic achievement.

• Eight in 10 employers say social and emotional skills are the most important to success and yet are also the hardest skills to find.    (Aspen Institute, 2018)

Some ways that Pelham School District incorporates social-emotional learning is through Responsive Classroom and Morning Meeting at PES. We have an advisory program at both PMS and  PHS. We utilize the CASEL framework as the foundation for bringing in robust professional development for our staff. Over the last several years, the SEL vertical team has developed a set of competencies for classroom teachers.