SEL in 5 – On Systemic SEL
Read this past month's digest of SEL leadership insights.
This month, we focus on systemic SEL.
Also, for California subscribers… California's Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative awarded our friends at GiveThx a scaling grant as a research-validated solution to support youth mental health and SEL. They are opening up a brief application process for 30 school/district spots. Recipients will receive GiveThx’s School Wellbeing Program for students and staff, fully grant-funded. This is an opportunity for each selected school to dramatically strengthen school community, mental health, and belonging. Learn more and apply here by May 31.
3 SEL Leadership Thoughts
Systemic SEL isn't just about teaching skills; it's about creating ecosystems of empathy, where every corridor and classroom reflects our commitment to understanding and compassion. It's about ensuring that our educational environments nurture not just academic prowess, but also the emotional and social well-being of every student and educator.
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In the tapestry of systemic SEL, each thread - from policy makers to educators, from families to community leaders - is interwoven to form a resilient fabric that supports the whole child. This holistic approach not only educates but also empowers students to navigate the complexities of both classrooms and communities.
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The true measure of systemic SEL's success lies not in the statistics of academic achievements, but in the silent affirmations of students who feel seen, understood, and supported. It's in the way our educational strategies translate into healthier, happier, and more harmonious communities.
2 Quotes from SEL Leaders
“… a district or school may begin by bringing together families, staff, and community members to develop a vision for what academic and social and emotional skills they hope their graduates will possess. They may then look at their curriculum, policies, and climate efforts that support the relationships and learning that will lead to those skills and work together to develop a shared language and action plan to support that development over time in all the spaces in which young people learn and grow. In this way, implementing a systemic SEL approach creates synergies, reduces fragmentation of students’ learning experiences, and integrates educational practices.” – Mark T. Greenberg
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“A schoolwide approach infuses SEL into every aspect of students’ learning—across all classrooms, during all parts of the school day (and after school), among administrators and staff, and in partnership with families and communities. When fully implemented, schoolwide SEL creates a foundation for all other educational goals.” – Pamela Randall-Garner
1 Question to Reflect On
How do you envision feeling or what state of mind do you aim to cultivate consistently throughout the remainder of the school year?
If you enjoyed that, please consider sharing SEL in 5 with others.
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:
189 Innovative School Leaders: Teacher Staffing, AI, Mental Health Top Ed Issues
How can districts ensure students have enough social-emotional support?
Pulling Back the Curtain on Youth Mental Health (New Report from Alongside)
Systemic Social and Emotional Learning: A Coordinated Approach to Student Success Across Settings
Young Children Need Help Identifying Emotions. 'Little Safe Place' Boxes Give Them Tools.