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Social and Emotional Learning

What Is Social and Emotional Learning?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the way in which all people gain the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to

  • understand and manage emotions,

  • set and achieve goals,

  • feel and show empathy for others,

  • form and keep good relationships, and

  • make responsible choices.

In MPS, we use the Second Step curriculum to teach kindergarten through eighth-grade students a common set of skills in these areas.

 

Why Is SEL Important?

Social and emotional skills are critical to being a good student, citizen, and worker. Having strong SEL skills can reduce the chances of students engaging in risky behaviors such as drug use, violence, bullying, and dropping out. This is best done through teachers, parents, and community members working together.

Social and Emotional Learning Core Competencies

CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) has identified five sets of skills, listed below. Click here to learn more about CASEL and the five core competencies.

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  Self-Awareness

The ability to correctly recognize one’s thoughts and feelings and how they influence behavior. This includes knowing one's strengths and weaknesses, having confidence, and being positive.

  Social Awareness

The ability to put yourself in another person's shoes. Being able to understand others from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Being able to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.

  Relationship Skills

The ability to make and keep healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. This includes clear communication, active listening, working together, resisting peer pressure, solving conflicts, and asking for and giving help when needed.

  Self-Management

The ability to manage one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in different situations. This includes managing stress, being motivated, and setting and working toward personal and academic goals.

  Responsible Decision Making

The ability to make good choices about personal and social behavior.

How Can I Learn More?

Video – What Is SEL?

Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning

Parent Toolkit

Committee for Children (publishers of Second Step)

Violence Prevention Program

6620 W. Capitol Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53216

Email: ViolencePrevention@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

Social and Emotional Learning Supervisor:

Kimberly Merath
Email: trateka1@milwaukee.k12.wi.us
Phone: 414-438-3593

 

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