Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) - Link to Anchorage School District SEL Program

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which we learn to recognize and manage emotions, care about others, make good decisions, behave ethically and responsibly, develop positive relationships, and avoid negative behaviors . It is the process through which students enhance their ability to integrate thinking, feeling, and behaving in order to achieve important life tasks. Within the school setting, SEL can best be accomplished through a layered approach of skills lessons, infusion into the curricula and classroom practices, and an environment of safety, respect, and caring which models SEL values.

Here are just a few examples of how SEL can help students:

*It enhances the potential for individual and social growth and learning.

*Academics/school involvement increases greatly when students are individualized, personalized and feel like they belong to the fabric of the school.

*The social and emotional aspects of each individual are the driving forces in one's ability to learn.

*Integrating SEL skills and academic skills prepares our students for life in the world. This is what employers are asking for.