Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process by which we develop our capacity to understand and manage our feelings, relate well to others, skillfully handle conflict and other life challenges, make good decisions, and take responsibility for improving our communities – from the classroom to the world.
Every Morningside Center program fosters SEL, including:
- The 4Rs (Reading, Writing, Respect & Resolution) for grades PreK-5
- C Squad: Together for the Journey for grades 6-8
- Building Belonging for grades 6-12
- Restore360, our whole-school SEL/restorative practices/racial equity program, PreK-12
SEL is a best practice for all students in every school. A growing body of research (including of Morningside Center’s own programs) shows that students in high-quality SEL programs:
- improve personal and social skills that are key to happiness in life
- increase positive attitudes about themselves, others and school
- improve their attendance
- reduce their anxiety and depression
- are less like to be suspended
- gain in achievement test scores and have better grades
In addition, as a major scientific study of Morningside Center’s 4Rs Program demonstrated, SEL programs can improve the classroom climate and teachers’ effectiveness. In schools where SEL is well-implemented, students not only improve their social and emotional competencies, they become partners with adults in creating vibrant learning communities. And they learn to care about and respect other people, including those who are different or who live far away.
Morningside Center understands SEL as a set of attitudes, practices, and policies that are fully integrated into the life and culture of the school, rather than as an add-on “program.” SEL can provide a rich vision of education and a basis for reflecting on everything that goes on in a school. By asking how school policies and practices are affecting students’ social and emotional development, SEL can be a powerful lever for school improvement. By building caring and connections, SEL also lays a solid foundation for social responsibility, not only toward friends and family but toward ever-widening circles of community.
Core SEL Competencies
Culturally affirming Social and Emotional Learning includes five domains:
- Self-Awareness
- Agency & Voice
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Nurturing
- Social Responsibility
