Schools and communities around the globe are coming together today to celebrate the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) on the third annual International SEL Day. The theme this year is Finding Common Ground, Pursuing Common Good.
To mark the occasion we thought we'd share just some of the ways that SEL positively impacts students, and school communities as a whole.
Social-emotional learning helps students develop the critical skills of empathy, communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and self regulation. These life-long skills prepare children to build and maintain positive relationships, excel academically, make responsible decisions, and collaborate in the workplace.
SEL fosters critical skills for learning. There is ample research to suggest that when educators create an environment that values and respects students, affirms their identities, and supports their growth, students are more motivated — and earn higher grades and test scores. Creating supportive conditions for learning fosters engagement and motivates young people to reach their potential.
Kindergartners with stronger SEL skills are more likely to attain a college degree, more likely to earn a high school diploma, and more likely to have a full-time job at age 25. Read the full report here
The top ten career skills identified by the World Economic Forum in 2020 all involve social and emotional competence: complex problem-solving; critical thinking; creativity; people management; coordinating with others; emotional intelligence; judgment and decision-making; service orientation; negotiation; and cognitive flexibility.
In a 2016 survey, 79% of employers identified social-emotional skills as the skills they value most in employees.
SEL supports the competencies and skills young people develop at home, after school, and in core academic subjects through improving cooperation, communication, and decision making. In a world where emotional intelligence is critical for lifelong happiness, successful careers, and healthier relationships, SEL gives students a framework to be school, career, and life ready.
Positive Pieces Education is the Australian and New Zealand publisher of the Second Step social-emotional learning program. Learn more