Start With the Heart. Michelle L. Trujillo

emotional, and academic development.

      Social, Emotional, and Academic Development—A Comprehensive Process

      So, what exactly is social, emotional, and academic development (SEAD)? It is a comprehensive process by which specific skills and competencies are modeled, taught, and embedded into classroom and schoolwide norms. These noncognitive skills and competencies can include the ability to understand and manage emotions; demonstrate empathy and an appreciation for diversity; establish and maintain relationships; and make responsible decisions, including setting and achieving goals. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) created a systemic framework that defines these competencies as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.

      According to the Aspen Institute National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development (2017a), schools have significant influence over SEAD in the realm of understanding, modeling, and teaching necessary skills and behaviors. As such, when social and emotional learning (SEL) is fully integrated into the educational system, it has proven to have a positive effect on academic achievement, graduation outcomes, and workplace readiness.

      Academics and the Well-Being of Students Improve

      Researchers from the University of Loyola, Chicago, found that when evidence-based social and emotional learning is programmed properly, both academics and the well-being of students improve (Durlak, Weissberg, Dymnicki, Taylor, & Schellinger, 2011). Their meta-analysis of 213 studies involving more than 270,000 students demonstrated that those who participated in evidence-based SEL programs showed an 11-percentile-point gain in academic achievement compared with those who did not. Students also demonstrated improved attitudes about self and others and positive classroom behavior. Reduced risks for failure were also evidenced by a decrease in conduct problems and emotional distress. Another study found that SEL programs implemented with fidelity can lead to better life outcomes, saving as much as $11 for every one dollar invested on social spending (Belfield et al., 2015). These statistics support district issues and initiatives across the nation: improving test scores, decreasing discipline issues, and improving mental health, all while saving the district money!