We need more SEL in high schools (Here’s How)
Academic demands, negative peer influence, social media, and developmental changes all lead to high levels of anxiety and depression among teenagers. And now COVID—and its expectations for social-distancing—adds another level of upheaval by significantly interrupting their basic developmental needs.
Educators are feeling the pressure. Not only are they tasked with meeting the complex social, emotional and academic (and now physical safety) needs of their students, they are faced with challenges to close achievement gaps, raise graduation rates, prepare students for a global economy, and keep pace with the ever-changing initiatives resulting from rapid educational reform.
How do schools begin to meet these needs?
This edutopia article shares the “why” and the “how” schools support incoming students in adjusting to the social and emotional challenges of high school starting with simple strategies for making students feel welcome and creating a culture there is room to make mistakes. And for some step-by-step guidance, here are a few documents that I authored to address the needs of middle and high school educators for the CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL.
Examples and strategies for Elevating Student Voice
How to include Student Members on an SEL Team
Creating a High School Peace Room
