Why do high school SEL programs feel lame?

The big problem, researchers and practitioners say, is that too much of what constitutes SEL learning feels patronizing to teenagers and fails to address their core psychological needs and motivations: developing an identity and sense of agency, being recognized and respected by peers, finding ways to excel, and …

Does SEL work?

But research studies have shown that this method isn’t wholly effective. “While a handful of SEL programs have been tested and shown to improve children’s SEL skills as well as academic, mental health, and behavioral outcomes, the effect sizes are smaller than we would expect,” says Jones.

What is the best SEL program?

12 top-rated SEL programs

  • Positive Action. Positive Action is a Pre-K through Grade 12 SEL program that can be added to any curriculum.
  • Second Step. Second Step is a Pre-K through grade 8 SEL program that is said to take a more holistic approach to teaching empathy.
  • PATHS.
  • EduMotion.
  • The 4Rs.
  • Better Kids.
  • Playworks.
  • Peekapak.

Why are some people against SEL?

In the wake of racial reckonings and increased calls to be anti-racist, SEL was rightfully criticized by education equity advocates for not being culturally responsive enough and doing too little to address persistent racial inequities. The timing of these latest attacks couldn’t be worse.

Should SEL be taught in schools?

Well-implemented SEL programs positively affect students’ success in school. Studies show that social-emotional skills—such as problem-solving, self-regulation, impulse control, and empathy—help improve academics, reduce negative social behaviors like bullying, and create positive classroom climates.

Why is SEL important in high school?

When students have strong social-emotional skills, they are more likely to achieve academic goals and thrive in the classroom. Likewise, academic lessons can be enhanced when paired with SEL strategies and provide an excellent platform for practicing SEL skills.

Why is SEL hated?

Some conservative critics of SEL say an emphasis on tolerance may threaten to counter messages students receive at home about issues like gender, which may be grounded in their families’ religious beliefs. And some have raised questions about assessing and tracking students’ SEL competancies, which not all schools do.

Is SEL evidence based?

Evidence-based SEL programs are those that have demonstrated evidence of efficacy in the context of rigorous field trials. The best efficacy studies randomly assign schools to receive an SEL program or not, a study design that is called a randomized control trial, or RCT.

Is SEL a curriculum?

SEL programs are built upon a research-based SEL curriculum that teaches individuals social and emotional skills that are necessary for life and academic success. These are otherwise known as social competencies.