FAQ's
- What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
(As defined by CASEL) Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults 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. Systemic SEL is promoted across multiple contexts every day. SEL is more than just a program or lesson. It is about how teaching and learning happens, as well as what you teach and where you learn.
2. How do you decide what SEL skills are important?
Millis Public Schools utilize the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (known as CASEL) framework of five core SEL competencies. The Collaborative for Social Emotional Learning, known as CASEL, is the leading organization advancing the promotion of integrated academic, social, and emotional learning for all children in preschool through high school. CASELis a trusted source for knowledge about high-quality, evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL). CASEL’s framework which identifies five core competencies that when prioritized across settings – districts, schools, classrooms, families, and the wider community – can educate hearts, inspire minds, and help students navigate the world more effectively.
3. What instructional methods are commonly used in SEL?
The educational goals of SEL are more likely to be achieved when evidence-based approaches are used to reach students in all settings where they spend their time. For example,
Young children can to be taught through modeling and coaching to recognize how they feel or how someone else might be feeling.
Through class meetings students can practice group decision-making and setting classroom rules.
Students can learn cooperation and teamwork through participation in team sports and games.
Students can be taught specifically and directly in individual and small group counseling sessions.
Student support staff can reinforce classroom instruction in SEL skills with students who need more practice.
When consulting with teachers on classroom management issues, school counselors can assess problems and suggest solutions with reference to SEL skills and the characteristics of a safe and supportive learning environment.
Providing developmentally and culturally appropriate behavioral supports with ongoing monitoring and evaluation of implementation for continuous improvement.
4. How do you assess a student's SEL skill level?
We are currently acquiring this data through teacher assessment approximately three times per year in addition to the following:
in-classroom observation,
student goal-setting/IEP goals and objectives
student self-assessment.
We have developed several rubrics that allow us to record instances of a student demonstrating competency or modeling a particular skill or behavior. Since SEL can be integrated into the learning continuum, it does not need to take away from time spent on content and can be measured alongside traditional academic metric
5. Who do I reach out to at school if I'm concerned about my child's SEL needs?
CFB:
School Adjustment Counselor, Assistant Principal: Elise Molloy, MSW, LICSW, emolloy@millisschools.org 508-376-7003 ext 517
School Adjustment Counselor: Kelly Annunziato, MED, kannunziato@millisschools.org 508-376-7003 ext 568
MMS:
School Adjustment Counselor: April Leman, MSW, LICSW, aleman@millisschools.org 508-906-3638
MHS:
School Adjustment Counselor: Erin Sullivan, LMHC esullivan@millisschools.org 508-376-7010 x639
6. What can I do to help my child at home?
(As explained by Edmentum.com:)
Cultivating SEL skills begins with modeling SEL practices—so, you can make a big difference at home! Children will not see the value of developing SEL skills if they don’t see them being lived out in adults they respect. Make a point of talking about how you use these skills in your day-to-day life with simple things like keeping a calendar to manage your time and commitments, setting goals for yourself, and trying different approaches when working through a problem (even if it’s just how to put together some new assembly required furniture). You can also model strong SEL skills in your interactions with your child and other family members and friends—share your feelings, avoid judgmental comments about others, work cooperatively, and forestall anger by asking questions to understand another’s point of view. Check out these SEL Strategies for Parents from Edutopia for plenty of great ideas.
Social and emotional learning ties into nearly all aspects of academics and daily life. Looking for resources to dive into some more specific topics? Check out these blog posts for in-depth tips!
Multitasking, distractions, procrastination—these are often challenges for kids, but never more so than right now. Adult oversight is really helpful, but it's not always possible. So after you set expectations with your kids, check out these apps and plug-ins to help them make the best of their schooling situation. A few favorites:
RescueTime. This plug-in reports on productivity and lets you set limits to either totally block sites or allow a specific period of time for certain activities.
Bear in Mind. Use this app to set reminders and create to-do lists to help younger kids stay on track.
JustRead. Strip out all the ads from your kids' webpages with this plug-in, so they can just focus on their research.
Most parents aren't experienced educators, and even for those of us who are, teaching your own kids is tough! Wide Open School, part of Common Sense, has rounded up some clever tips for setting your kids (and you!) up for success, no matter what school looks like this year. Try these:
Give detailed praise. Instead of "good job," say, "You're working hard!"
Use natural consequences. "If you really focus, you'll have time for fun when you're done." (No focus, no fun stuff!)
Try movement and humor. Come up with crazy answers so your kids correct you. (This one works every time.)
If you or anyone you know is struggling to get set up for remote learning because a suitable device or high-speed internet is unaffordable, there are resources to help. This distance learning portal has a list of providers.
A back-to-school center for families!
Set your family up for success with distance learning tips and schedules for kids at home, using the back-to-school guide in Wide Open School. There you'll find helpful resources from Common Sense and other trusted organizations on a wide range of topics, from using Zoom and managing anxiety to supporting social and emotional well-being.
Important links: CASEL powerpoint on SEL , Feedback form , CSEFEL , Positive Supports Classroom , Millis Updates Page, CDC , WHO