What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?

McHenry District 15 develops the whole child, which includes building an academic and social emotional foundation for all students. When student-teacher and student-student relationships are positive, students are more engaged and more successful academically because they feel safe. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions as defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).

Systemic SEL is promoted across multiple contexts every day. SEL is more than just a program or lesson. It is about how teaching and learning happens, as well as what you teach and where you learn. CASEL’s widely used framework identifies five core competencies that, when prioritized across settings – districts, schools, classrooms, families, and the wider community – can educate hearts, inspire minds, and help students navigate the world more effectively.