Social emotional learning (SEL) has come under fire in recent years, even though the research is indisputable regarding the overall benefits of social emotional learning in K-12 classrooms. In fact, Edutopia shared news about a 2023 meta-analysis comprised of "424 studies involving over half a million K-12 students, scrutinizing school-based SEL programs and strategies such as mindfulness, interpersonal skills, classroom management, and emotional intelligence." Researchers found that "students who participated in such programs experienced 'improved academic achievement, school climate, school functioning, social emotional skills, attitudes, and prosocial and civic behaviors.'"

How Can Parents Advocate for SEL Programs in Their Schools?

Parents and guardians of students who benefit from SEL programs can be powerful voices in advocating for the inclusion of SEL in their schools.

Attend School Board Meetings

Whether you attend school board meetings to speak and lend support to SEL programs in your school or to dispute those who might try to block or prevent SEL programs, making your voice heard is one of the best ways to advocate for your children and help them receive this beneficial instruction. Not only do students with SEL programs in their classrooms do better academically, but they fare better socially as well and develop skills that continue to help them succeed throughout their school years and into their adult lives.

Become a Candidate for Your Local School Board

Practice SEL at Home

 You know your child better than anyone and can provide some of the basic SEL support from home. To do this, you can practice modeling behavior for your child that demonstrates emotional maturity. Help them learn how to manage big emotions. That isn't something that always comes naturally, but children can be taught to breathe deeply during stressful moments and to articulate their feelings with words or drawings. Be sure to give them safe spaces to work through what they are feeling.

School Day is the best K-12 solution for measuring and managing students' wellbeing and social emotional skills and the best tool for district leaders and teachers to proactively lead wellbeing in the classroom, with the goal of improving learning results. School Day asks students weekly questions that focus on learning, social relationships, and health. The data is analyzed, furnishing real-time insight and highlighting what's going well; resources are provided for the areas that need more attention. Request a quote for your school today!