Social and emotional learning benefits students in all aspects of their lives. One might think by the name that students benefit socially or emotionally but studies show that students benefit academically as well. 

Imagine a school where students are being kind to one another. A place where students understand how others are feeling, care for one another, and support each other. They disagree respectfully and are able to communicate with peers and adults.

Consider a classroom where students come in excited to learn even when the material is challenging. A room that has every desk filled with a student that is engaged and listening. Classrooms that are flowing with collaboration and grit.

Academic Benefits

Studies show that students that participate in an SEL program score 11 percentile points higher on academic assessments than their peers. SEL programs have also been shown to increase class performance. Students have improved problem-solving skills and reading comprehension. Studies are showing that students have improved in math, social studies, and literacy skills.  Standardized test scores are even increased by 14 percentile points. 

Participation in an SEL program also improves the classroom environment. Students and teachers are less stressed. There is more classroom participation and fewer disruptions. Group work becomes smoother and communication is increased.

SEL programs help students look at failure in a new light. When students aren’t afraid to fail they lose their fear of trying. Imagine what you can accomplish when you aren’t afraid to try. Students have the ability to give their all and keep trying even if they aren’t there yet. It is amazing what students learn to accomplish when their attendance improves as well.

Social Benefits

Through SEL programs students have shown that they have better attitudes towards themselves and others. They have conflict resolution skills and develop empathy which both decrease the rates of bullying and fights.

Students have increased communication and listening skills. They are able to talk to one another and get their points and opinions across without resorting to name-calling and fighting. Students are able to disagree respectfully leading to a decrease in student arguments and fights. 

Students develop connections with one another. Through their ability to show empathy and listen students are able to support one another and gain friendships. They know when their classmates are having a bad day and are able to support them through that. The culture becomes one of collaboration and support.

Emotional Benefits

Students gain an understanding of their emotions and how to regulate them. They learn what emotions are and what they feel like. There is power in knowledge. When students learn what anger feels like they can learn how to control it. The same with any emotion. 

As students learn to regulate their emotions they are able to communicate better with others. They can work in groups and share their opinions respectfully. Not only are students able to do this but they are able to sit and learn in the classroom. When you are angry about what happened at home or in the hallway you are not in a mindset to learn. With SEL programs students learn to gain power over their feelings and emotions leading to more focus in the classroom. 

College and Career Benefits

The workforce has indicated that our recent grads are greatly lacking in job skills. So much so that companies are changing the way they manage employees. Young employees struggle with communication skills and decision-making skills. 

SEL programs help with this as well. Students gain the skills that employers are seeking such as the ability to problem-solve and make decisions. Students are also able to work in teams and communicate well with others. This is key for students gaining success after high school. 

Students gain the skills to plan and problem solve. They learn how to make goals and stick with them. This helps students make future plans for careers and college. Students are able to make a goal and stick to it, even when things get in the way.

Social Emotional Learning Benefits

With participation in an SEL program students develop a better sense of community, improved attitude towards school and learning, and increased academic motivation. Students have been shown to have improved attendance and more class participation. Coping skills are increased along with more thought to consequences for their actions. 

Participation in an SEL program has been shown to decrease emotional stress and conduct problems. Students have shown to have better attitudes towards others and themselves, increased academic achievement, development of social and emotional skills.

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