Why SEL Matters

While social-emotional learning (SEL) is widely supported and recognized for its significant impact on student success, misconceptions about its role in education continue to circulate. These misunderstandings often stem from a lack of clarity about what SEL really entails and the benefits it provides for both students and educators. Social-emotional learning is a process that helps children and adults develop and apply important skills, attitudes, and knowledge to support healthy personal growth and success in school and life. It teaches people to understand and manage their emotions, set and reach goals, communicate well, solve problems, handle stress, build confidence, and show empathy. These skills are vital for success in school, the workplace, and everyday life.

Social-emotional learning isn’t a new concept; it’s been around for decades. Teaching social-emotional skills helps families and educators give young people the tools they need to navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Studies show that teaching kids social-emotional skills in school leads to better grades, fewer behavior issues, less emotional distress, and higher graduation rates.

Recently, some have raised concerns about SEL, questioning its value. It’s crucial to address these misconceptions and demonstrate the real, research-based advantages social-emotional development brings to classrooms. Social-emotional skills are some of the most important tools children will ever have, as they’ll use these vital life skills in the classroom and beyond.

We invite you to read this article, which dispels the common myths about SEL and provides a clear, factual understanding of its impact on students, educators, families, and schools.