Rebranding Social Emotional Learning

Source: CASEL - The Missing Piece (video)

By Sam Piha

We live in a political climate where differences are not explored, they are weaponized. In recent months schools and educators have been attacked under the guise of critical race theory, parent rights and the call to ban certain books. And now political pushback against social-emotional learning (SEL) is growing.

According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) website, they define social and emotional learning (SEL) “as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” [i]

“The politics of social-emotional learning have shifted drastically in the past few years— especially in some conservative states—with critics claiming that SEL is a form of liberal indoctrination or a means for unqualified teachers to practice therapy. This shift has left many teachers and SEL practitioners in a tricky situation, trying to address parents’ concerns while continuing to teach SEL programs that may be required by the district and state.” - Arianna Prothero, Education Week

Source: CASEL - The Missing Piece (video) 

“The term social-emotional learning can be confusing and inaccessible. Even before social-emotional learning became politicized, there were criticisms that the practice or concept was too wonky and inaccessible for parents and other community members.” [ii]

“The first question they [parents] had was, ‘What the hell are you talking about?’ he said. I get math. I get reading. What the hell is social-emotional learning?’ When commissioners explained they wanted schools to nurture qualities such as discipline, self-management, and relationship skills, ‘they’d [parents] say, ‘Oh yeah, we’re for that.’” - John Bridgeland, CEO of Civic Enterprises

“Some school districts and afterschool programs are looking to reduce controversy and confusion by calling SEL something else. In the Ed Week Research Center survey, 27% of respondents said their schools use other terms to refer to SEL, but not specifically to limit controversy. The most popular alternative terms for SEL are ‘character education,’ followed by ‘life skills’ and ‘communication skills.’” [iii]

To learn more about this important topic, we recommend that you review the resources below. 



• Learning in Afterschool & Summer (LIAS) Blogs on SEL
• (Ed Week) SEL by Another Name? Political Pushback Prompts Rebranding 
• VIDEO: CASEL- The Missing Piece

END NOTES
[i] CASEL, Fundamentals of SEL
[ii] Arianna Prothero, SEL by Another Name? Political Pushback Prompts Rebranding
[iii] IBID.