What Is Social-Emotional Learning? Helping Everyone Thrive

Committee for Children

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success.

People with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially. From effective problem-solving to self-discipline, from impulse control to emotion management and more, SEL provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on kids, adults, and communities.

Children thrive. Schools win. Workplaces benefit. Society strengthens. All due to social-emotional learning.

Research for SEL Is Key

Rigorous research is essential in developing our social-emotional learning curriculum.

Students were 42 percent less likely to say they were involved in physical aggression

20% less bullying by students with disabilities

$11 returned for each $1 invested in social-emotional learning

5–12% decrease in school dropout rates associated with SEL

13% increase in academic achievement with SEL

79% of employers say SEL skills are the most important qualities for job success

https://www.cfchildren.org/what-is-social-emotional-learning/