Today, March 11th, is third annual International Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Day. This day provides an excellent opportunity for CPS to acknowledge its support for integrating SEL into our schools and classrooms.

SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. SEL improves academic outcomes, builds a positive school climate, and provides students with the necessary skills to excel in today’s workforce. SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities. 

Research indicates that students with strong social emotional skills are better able to cope with challenges, build protective factors and resiliency, engage academically, and experience long-term social, professional, and academic benefits. In the Chelsea Public Schools, SEL is tied into our vision of providing every student with a high quality education in a system that is devoted to equity, diversity, and social justice. On this #SELday, we are reminded that SEL can help young people and adults thrive personally and academically, develop and maintain positive relationships, and contribute to a more caring, just world. 

Take a look at this video created by students and SEL Leads at the ELC and the Mary C. Burke Complex highlighting ways to develop and practice your SEL skills. What SEL skill is a strength for you?