Lesson 2: Why is SEL Important?
Lesson 2: Why is SEL Important?
Mini Lesson
Studies have shown that SEL in the classroom has many benefits including problem-solving, self-regulation, impulse control and empathy. Consequently when these behaviors increase it can also positively improve a student's academic performance!
What does the research say?
- Students who participate in SEL programs have shown to have better grades, higher test scores and overall higher academic achievement. (Durlak et al. 2011)
- A meta-analysis of several studies on SEL interventions showed that students who participated in SEL programs saw an 11 percentile-point increase in academic achievement. (Durlak et al. 2011)
- Safe and orderly environments that encourage and reinforce positive classroom behavior (a hallmark of SEL) have been identified as one of the needed components for academic achievement (Marzano 2003).
To do
Read the following article about Promoting Academic Achievement through Social and Emotional Learning.
Once done, take some time to reflect on the subject areas you teach. Think about what you are doing well in terms of promoting SEL within academics and what areas you might want to work on.
Set up a SMART Goal for yourself and write it in your 
notebook.
You will refer back to this Goal as you continue on in this course.
