Social and Emotional Learning is the process through which students 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. Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
Academics are critical, but so is a child’s social and emotional development. Strong academics will always be central in Delaware schools. But in a rapidly changing world, it’s becoming increasingly important that young people receive a holistic educational experience that maximizes who they are as individuals—one that instills skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. Physical and mental health, nutrition, and exposure to the arts are also huge factors in the development of young people. This is true of all children, and particularly those who come from challenging backgrounds and who have experienced trauma.
This concept of developing “social and emotional learning”—a phrase that’s often cross-referenced with “whole child”—is not a new one. Generations of educators have said that the so-called soft skills mentioned above are all important ingredients in child development. Employers are saying the same thing. In Delaware, it’s exciting to see a renewed focus and collaboration on social-emotional learning.
The following resources combine national and state data and initiatives underway in order to inform ongoing conversations about SEL in Delaware. This list is not comprehensive, and this is not an endorsement of any specific initiatives underway. Please share additional resources with us on Twitter by using the hashtag #SELinDE.
Rodel Teacher Council – Educators’ Perspectives on Social and Emotional Learning
What are the Social and Emotional Needs of Students?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Among Wilmington City & Delaware’s Children. (Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health, 2016): This brief offers both a focused look at trauma in the city of Wilmington and across the state. It takes the data and puts into perspective exactly what these ACEs mean for kids’ development.
Child and Health Measurement Initiative (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2012)—Both Delaware and national data measurements from student engagement to healthy behavior are covered in this survey.
Delaware School Survey (University of Delaware, 2015): Students across the state offer their perspective on school climate, safety, substance abuse, and more in this annual survey of fifth,, eighth,, and 11th
Social and Emotional Learning Standards and Measurements
SEL Standards and Learning Goals (Rodel Foundation, 2017): This memo offers a quick overview of the work being done in setting standards in social and emotional learning. What do SEL standards look like? Which states have them and how does Delaware compare? What social and emotional skills are expected of elementary school students? High school students?
Measuring Social and Emotional Learning (Rodel Foundation, 2017): From student and parent surveys to performance exams, this one-pager offers an overview of some of the ways social and emotional skill attainment is measured.
District SEL Implementation
CASEL District Resources Center (CASEL, 2017): The District Resource Center (DRC) offers guidance, tools, and resources for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) implementation throughout a district. It contains 500+ tools and artifacts used in the 10 districts across the county collaborating with the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the leading organization dedicated to advancing research and evidence-based practice in social and emotional learning (SEL).
Parent Toolkit (NBC News Education Nation, 2017): Check out the social and emotional development tips for every grade level.
Other Delaware Specific Resources
Student Success 2025 (Vision Coalition, 2015): The North Star, which illustrates the traits Delawareans believe are necessary for success, includes academics alongside social and emotional learning, and guides the recommendations of this 10-year education plan. Hear what students have to say in about the social and emotional skills they will need to be successful.
Compassionate Schools—A Compassionate School uses trauma-informed care, multi-tiered supports (such as Positive Behavior Supports) and data to promote self-care among staff and a supportive school environment for students. While it benefits all students, a Compassionate School focuses on students chronically exposed to stress and trauma.
Responsive Classroom—An evidence-based approach to elementary and middle school teaching that focuses on the strong link between academic success and social and emotional learning.
Positive Behavior Supports—PBS is coordinated, data-based decision-making and instructional programming that focuses on teaching adaptive behaviors and discouraging disruptive behavior.
The Leader in Me—This program teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader.
CDC Community Advisory Committee—This advisory council, composed of community stakeholders provided a series of recommendations on preventing youth violence and promoting positive youth development in Delaware.
IM40—In a statewide partnership that includes United Way of Delaware and AstraZeneca, over 50 youth-serving organizations have adopted the 40 development assets, skills, and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults.
Prevent Child Abuse Delaware—Promotes protective factors to eliminate the risks to children’s wellbeing and health. This includes practices and programs that strengthen families, address trauma and support resilience.
