The Need for Social-Emotional Learning in Schools

By Traci Haly, CBA School Counselor

Social-emotional Learning (SEL) has become a buzzword in education over the past decade, and the chatter quickly accelerated during the COVID pandemic. An article by Kevin Bushweller in an Education Week special report points out that in 2024, 83% of principals reported using an SEL program in their school, which is an increase from 46% in the 2017-18 school year.  So, what is SEL?

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has developed five competencies that make up SEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. SEL is about teaching skills that will enable students to regulate their emotions, foster healthy relationships, and act as responsible, contributing citizens in their school community and beyond.

More and more we are seeing students struggle to manage their emotions, work independently, and relate well with others. Some of these issues are explored in the special report. The challenges in social and emotional skills is amplified in the special education population. For this reason, Chesapeake Bay Academy prioritizes SEL as an important component of our students’ education.

CBA Lower School Social Skills Class led by Mrs. Haly

In a poll taken by the EdWeek Research Center, the majority (71%) of educators agreed that SEL in their classrooms/schools had a positive impact on student academic outcomes. When students struggle to manage their emotions or relationships with peers, it’s more difficult for them to receive and retain the academic information being taught.  At CBA, students have opportunities each week to learn more about emotional regulation, coping strategies, friendship skills, and developing a growth mindset. SEL is embedded in the school’s climate and core curriculum. Language Arts and Social Studies classes are ideal platforms to teach coping skills, social norms, empathy, and other key concepts that can improve a student’s social-emotional intelligence. When SEL occurs naturally in the school day and is modeled by faculty and staff, students have more opportunities to learn, grow, and implement these skills. SEL is a key component to the academic success of our children.