Discussions

This page lays out one step of of implementing Adult SEL at the school level, including the small set of critical elements that should be the focus of implementing this core component, what the adult practice looks like when it is implemented as expected, guidance on laying the foundation for implementation, and a tool to use for progress monitoring.

When starting the implementation of any new core component, make sure to select it on the SEL page of the SIP Portal online, so that you can track your progress through the installation and initial implementation cycle. If you would like a place to keep more detailed notes as you work through that cycle as a team, you can create a copy of the Strategy Implementation Guide.

If you feel like your site is already at full implementation with the criteria in this core component, please first complete a fidelity check. Protocol 7 from the Guidebook for Equity-driven Continuous School Improvement can help you do a fidelity check with your leadership team. You should not skip a core component until you have evidence that the majority of the adults who should be utilizing the practice are demonstrating it as expected.

Critical elements for implementing Discussions for Adult SEL:

1. Active Listening
2. Equity of Voice
3. Questioning Strategies Anchored in Non-judgment and Curiosity

These critical elements set the conditions for supporting healthy discourse patterns.

Research and resources:

• Resource: Elena Aguilar’s The Art of Coaching Teams ; Chapter 7 “Cultivating Healthy Communication”
• Research: Center on Great Teachers and Leaders, "Teaching Practices That Promote Students' Social-Emotional Competencies"

Some likely supports that staff will need before being able to implement the critical elements include:

• Process Observer
• Stems possibly posted on chart paper as a reference

• Find an example progress monitoring tool for this core component here. You'll be asked to create a copy, which you'll need to save to your own Google Drive and then share with colleagues.
• This form can be used during staff or team meetings to progress monitor the Discussions core component. Having a school leader, a process observer, or each meeting attendee complete the form will provide you with information about the implementation of this core component. When you click the link, it will make a copy of the form. This will allow you to adapt the form or create copies of the form, and will give you your own data summary.