Social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculums are expanding to nearly every school corporation across the nation, enhancing instruction by learning the fundamental skills needed to succeed as a human being. SEL has existed for decades and encompasses various soft skills such as managing emotions, having empathy for others, cooperating, and making responsible decisions. What’s more, SEL in schools has far-reaching benefits–the instruction doesn’t stop when students leave school grounds.
The notion that SEL only impacts students inside the classroom is vastly inaccurate. The effort made by teachers, administrators, and program directors all call for SEL skills to be focused on both inside and outside of the classroom.
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SEL in schools impacts students outside of the classroom in many ways, including awareness and prevention of drug use, mental health, and career readiness. SEL instruction proves to remain a notable element to improving a student’s state of mind, emotional regulation, and ability to focus, all factors that affect educational opportunities and ultimately, academic achievement.
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