What is Social/Emotional Learning? Is it something that has a place in public schools? In this section of the site we will share definitions as well as pros and cons. Where possible we will provide links to the source material so you can explore and judge for yourself.
Here are links to articles about S.E.L. that may or may not have been covered in our blog articles:
January 2019
September 20, 2016
This from the Facebook Page of Alice Linahan:
So Governor Abbott’s newly appointed Commissioner of Education is advocating the state have formalized standards and assessments evaluating and collecting data on the social and emotional state of Texas students? Basically psychologically profiling students for the workforce. That is very interesting because it is exactly the same thing pushed as part of the “New Common Core” as stated by Rep. Tim Ryan – Ohio while debating the Every Student Succeed Act (ESSA). Now why is Abbott appointed Commissioner Mike Morath now suggesting the “Next Generation of Assessments and Accountability fall in line with the federal mandates of ESSA? HHMMMM Click link to this youtube and you will understand more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4GYRlvXRNs
August 7, 2016: https://swweducation.org?p=3104
Here’s out latest blog report on SEH: https://swweducation.org?p=2897
What is Social-Emotional Health” Definitions and Examples
Social health involves your ability to form satisfying interpersonal relationships with others. It also relates to your ability to adapt comfortably to different social situations and act appropriately in a variety of settings. Spouses, co-workers and acquaintances can all have healthy relationships with one another. Each of these relationships should include strong communication skills, empathy for others and a sense of accountability. In contrast, traits like being withdrawn, vindictive or selfish can have a negative impact on your social health. Overall, stress can be one of the most significant threats to a healthy relationship. Stress should be managed through proven techniques such as regular physical activity, deep breathing and positive self-talk.
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U.S. Surgeon General – Mental and Emotional Well-being
Mental and emotional well-being is essential to overall health. Positive mental health allows people to realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Early childhood experiences have lasting, measurable consequences later in life; therefore, fostering emotional well-being from the earliest stages of life helps build a foundation for overall health and well-being. Anxiety, mood (e.g., depression) and impulse control disorders are associated with a higher probability of risk behaviors (e.g., tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, risky sexual behavior), intimate partner and family violence, many other chronic and acute conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV/STIs), and premature death.
Download and print these recommendations: Mental and Emotional Well-being (PDF – 230 KB)
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The Need for Social and Emotional Learning
The Battle Ground Superintendent (Mark Hottowe) said this book chapter captures his goal.
Social and emotional competence is the ability to understand, manage, and express the social and emotional aspects of one’s life in ways that enable the successful management of life tasks such as learning, forming relationships, solving everyday problems, and adapting to the complex demands of growth and development. It includes self-awareness, control of impulsivity, working cooperatively, and caring about oneself and others. Social and emotional learning is the process through which children and adults develop the skills, attitudes, and values necessary to acquire social and emotional competence. In Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman (1995) provides much evidence for social and emotional intelligence as the complex and multifaceted ability to be effective in all the critical domains of life, including school. But Goleman also does us the favor of stating the key point simply: “It’s a different way of being smart.”
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Scientific American – November 2012: How social and emotional learning could harm our kids
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