Social-Emotional Learning Through an Equity Lens
Shawna Longo Durban Avenue School, Hopatcong Borough Schools shawnalongo[at]gmail.com
In my previous two articles last year, I laid a foundation of what social-emotional learning is and how it authentically connects to music. In 2020, CASEL revised their definition of SEL, as well as their “CASEL Wheel,” in order to advance educational equity and excellence. This revised definition supports a more culturally responsive classroom and school.
tion through continual evaluation, and equity. As you will see from the graphic below, the five core competencies remain the same.
“Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity to empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities.” In the above two-paragraph definition, I have italicized the changes that CASEL made to its original definition of SEL in order to highlight the key additions. You will notice that it is broader in scope and offers a more holistic view of where and how SEL occurs. It also promotes the inclusion of family and community, adult SEL (aka teachers), curriculum and instruction, reflec-
According to CASEL, these five competencies, or goals, can be combined to create three areas of focus: SELF, OTHERS, and DECISIONS. There are two competencies that fall under the SELF-category (in orange) as they are introspective, or looking inward: SelfAwareness and Self-Management. The focus on “SELF” has shifted to IDENTITY. Social Awareness and Relationship Skills fall under the OTHERS-category (in green) as they pertain to how we interact outwardly. Their focus has shifted to AGENCY. And, Responsible Decision Making comprises the DECISIONS category (in yellow) which impact ourself and others. The shift here has moved toward BELONGING. This “new” definition elevates identity, agency, and belonging as critical pillars of SEL.
TEMPO 38
OCTOBER 2021
