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The Power of SEL
The intention behind Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is to help students develop essential life skills like self-awareness, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. Proponents of SEL say that teachers can use it to create a positive classroom environment and support students' overall well-being, leading to better academic outcomes.
How has the idea of SEL evolved throughout decades of education in the United States?
In a study found in The Harvard Educational Review, “The Complicated Rise of Social Emotional Learning in the United States: Implications for Contemporary Policy and Practice,” researchers Kelsey A. Dalrymple and Joel M. Phillips delve into the history of SEL in the United States, tracing its roots back to the 1960s. The authors argue that SEL's development has been significantly influenced by various sociocultural and economic factors.
The study highlights the role of figures like James P. Comer and Roger P. Weissberg in shaping SEL's trajectory. Comer's work on the New Haven Intervention Project, which focused on addressing the social and emotional needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, is seen as a precursor to contemporary SEL. Weissberg, along with others, played a pivotal role in developing the CASEL framework, which outlines key SEL competencies.
The study also explores the impact of historical events, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the War on Poverty, and the War on Drugs, on the evolution of SEL. These events shaped societal attitudes towards education and social issues, influencing the development of SEL programs and policies.
The study’s authors also raise critical concerns about the potential for SEL to perpetuate social injustices if not implemented thoughtfully. They stress the importance of addressing issues of race and power within SEL programs to ensure that they benefit all students, particularly those from marginalized communities.
The authors conclude by calling for a more nuanced and critical understanding of SEL's history. They advocate for a collaborative approach that involves students, educators, families, and communities in shaping SEL programs. By doing so, they argue, SEL can be a powerful tool for promoting equity and social justice.