This month, we discuss the importance of vision statements and co-creation.
3 SEL Leadership Thoughts
Oftentimes, vision statements about social-emotional learning do a great job in terms of outlining how we want students and adults to feel. But what are the specific life skills that lead individuals to feel this way and achieve their potential? Invite families, students, and school staff members to help answer this question. Co-create a vision. [Tweet This]
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If your school or district has a vision statement or mission related to social-emotional learning, that’s great. But is there clear, tangible evidence that SEL is existing within schools? What are all the things that you see on a day-to-day basis that let you know the people in these buildings are living out this vision? [Tweet This]
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A common pitfall when constructing vision statements within our schools is that we don’t take the time to circle back with staff to solidify their understanding. It is easy to make the assumption that things are sinking in without really ensuring that folks have multiple opportunities to see various iterations of the vision as it grows. This (combined with an ongoing focus on the overarching WHY) can lead to a really deep and clear understanding across the team.
2 Quotes from SEL Leaders
“Bringing students into the design [of SEL programming] and thinking about how can we design this together is so important. It’s about the network; it’s about the group. We need to bring them into the work directly.” – Dr. Stephanie Jones
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“Parents have designed their lives around a fixed agrarian school system, and they’ve made it work, but what if we designed school around the needs of our families and their children instead?” – Dr. David Miyashiro
1 Question to Reflect On
As you prepare for the 2023-24 academic yer, how can you ensure that your teams are committed to authentically co-create SEL initiatives with students, families, and staff members?
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Until next month,
Nick Woolf
Author of SEL in 5
Founder of Inside SEL
p.s. here’s what else I’m reading and listening to: