Essentials of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

DONNA Lord BLACK is a nationally recognized expert in social emotional learning (SEL) and social emotional character development (SECD). For fifteen years, she has provided field-based consultation and training on SEL and SECD and promotes implementation of the disciplines across all areas of education. She is President of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Texas (SEL4TX) and is a faculty member at the Academy for SEL in Schools. She frequently speaks and presents on the subject of SEL and SECD at the local, state, and national level.

"A very impressive, comprehensive and the most practical book on SEL as it can and should be applied in schools. The book is aptly subtitled as a 'complete guide.' From defining SEL, to discussing the context for its importance, to outlining, a multi-phased approach to implementing SEL in schools and providing tools for implementation, the book delivers on all fronts. The author has created the Social Emotional Learning Foundations Inventory (SELFI) which is unique and provides a systematic process for schools to develop their SEL plan. But the book does not stop with this. It presents an integrated approach that aligns assessment with instruction, thus taking the process to completion. Along the way, the author not only provides examples and materials; there is a companion website which includes all forms that are fillable in pdf format. Because of this book there is no excuse for schools not having all the tools for implementation. This is a must-have book for every school that is truly interested and invested in learning about and implementing SEL."—Gail M. Cheramie, Ph.D., Private Consultant, Retired Associate Professor and Director, School Psychology Program, University of Houston- Clear Lake

• Preface ixAcknowledgments xiIntroduction xiiiAbout the Companion Website xvSection I Emergence of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as a World Phenomenon 1One Defining Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and the Critical Areas of Competence 3Two Historical Influences on the Emergence of SEL 29Three Emotional Intelligence and its Role in SEL 57Section II SEL – The Missing Link in Education 83Four Current Challenges in Education 85Five Evidenced Support for SEL 125Six Making the Case for SEL 159Section III SEL as a Sustainable Framework for Success 213Seven Getting Started: A Multiphase Approach to Whole-School Implementation of SEL 215Eight Tools, Templates, and Checklists 267Nine Aligning SEL Assessment With Instruction and Curriculum 335Ten SEL: A Roadmap for a World at Hope 383Index 407