Evidence-Based Social & Emotional Learning in Schools

While the spotlight of today‘s education is strongly focused on academic accountability, schools will not adequately prepare students for the ultimate test, life, if they do not also teach essential social and emotional skills. Incorporating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into the school curriculum provides a holistic approach to education, by teaching students the life skills necessary for academic success, healthy growth and development, positive relationships, and motivation for contributing to their communities. This paper reviews research supporting the connection of SEL to academic success and prevention of high risk behaviors in addition to a summary of several evidence based SEL programs. Also discussed are suggestions for delivering SEL curriculum in schools, the school counselor‘s role in SEL, and Adlerian perspectives on SEL