MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Superintendent’s Spring Forum on Social and Emotional Learning
May 10, 2012
Social and Emotional Learning
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines Social and
Emotional Learning (SEL) as a process through which students learn and master the knowledge,
attitudes, and skills needed to recognize and manage emotions, solve problems effectively, and
establish positive relationships with others.
Benefits of SEL
A recent large study1 identified positive outcomes associated with SEL. The study found that
positive outcomes do not come at the expense of performance in core academic skills.
Instead, the results indicate that social and emotional competencies enhance academic
achievement and school grades. Researchers noted a gain of 11.0 percentile points on
standardized achievement tests. SEL was associated with improvements in social and emotional
skills, social behaviors, and attitudes about self, others, and school. Findings noted fewer
conduct problems and lower levels of emotional distress among students.
Core SEL Competencies (CASEL):
1
Durlak, J.A., Weissberg, R.P., Dymnicki, A.B., Taylor, R.D. & Schellinger, K.B. (2011). The impact of enhancing
students’ social and emotional learning: A meta‐analysis of school‐based universal interventions. Child
Development, 82 (1), 405‐432.