What was the process for adopting the SEL Curriculum?
o Timeline and Funding
§ 2017-2018
· As a response to feedback received by community members and parents related to improving student’s “life skills”, MFISD began to research possible solutions.
· District developed a common understanding of what the community was calling “life skills”, that included district level meeting discussions, and focus groups, and reviewing research.
o SHAPE Our Schools meetings
o Facilities Planning Committee
· Three district priority areas, based on feedback, for student development including: Problem Solving, Self-Management/Regulation, and Communication.
· In the wake of increasing school violence incidents in Texas and around the country the Department of Justices developed a competitive grant available to schools
· MFISD applied for and received the STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program with approval from the School Board and in cooperation with Burnet County Commissioners Court
§ 2018-2019
· School Board approved hiring the District Social Emotional Learning Coordinator to begin the program development and selection process
· SEL Committee
o Members included Campus Administration from all levels, Campus Counselors, Teachers, and parents
o Met seven times during the year to:
§ Identify strengths and weaknesses of current programs
§ Reviewed community input and research
§ Explored research and identify core competencies that aligned with community values
§ Evaluated Curriculum
· Began with TEA recommended (See list here)
· Narrowed programs to meet community needs
· Developed Rubric for evaluation of materials
· Reviewed materials
o Committee made recommendations to Board of Trustees
· Formed Crisis Intervention Multidisciplinary Team
o Team included parents/guardians, students, teachers, community members, first responders, mental health officials, counselors
o Met quarterly to review progress and discuss emerge
Began District-wide Training and Implementation
What is the legal requirement for SEL and Trauma Based Training?
§ STOP School Violence Act 2018 (Federal) 115th Congress
· The STOP School Violence Act of 2018 seeks to improve school security by providing students and teachers with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to, and prevent acts of violence.
· https://bja.ojp.gov/program/stop-school-violence-program
§ Beginning in the Texas 86th Legislature, Texas has followed the federal government in developing requirements for schools to improve the social emotional health of students.
· Mental Health Promotion and Intervention, Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention, and Suicide Prevention | TEC 38.351 » H.B. 18, Sec. 1.21
· Multi-hazard Emergency Operations Plan; Safety and Security Audit | TEC 37.108 » S.B. 11, Sec. 10
· Trauma-Informed Care Policy, TEC 38.036
· Required Curriculum | TEC 28.002 » S.B. 11, Sec. 7
· School Safety Allotment | TEC 42.168 » S.B. 11, Sec. 20
· School Health Advisory Council | TEC 28.004 » S.B. 11, Sec. 8
· Staff Development Requirements | TEC 21.451 » H.B. 18, Sec. 1.05
· Threat Assessment and Safe and Supportive School Program and Team | TEC 37.115 » S.B. 11, Sec.13