Many educators don’t realize how easy it is to embed social and emotional learning (SEL) into their Response to Intervention (RtI) plan. SEL can strengthen RtI by helping educators be more proactive at identifying and addressing students’ needs. SEL data can shed light on why a student is struggling, and SEL instruction can help students [...]

Launch an SEL Program in 8 Steps (And Start Today!) A national survey shows that principals understand the importance of teaching social and emotional skills to youth, and for good reason. Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps students get ready to learn and increases student achievement through better grades, fewer behavior incidents, and higher graduation [...]

Districts and schools across the country recognize the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL). Today’s schools are comprised of a diverse student body from different cultures and ethnicities, and with different learning needs. SEL provides a framework to ensure safe and supportive learning environments for all students. There are academic benefits to SEL, too. [...]

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is all about giving students the supports they need to succeed in school. Many students don’t just need academic support — they also need help developing their social and emotional skills. Learn how to strengthen your MTSS framework by 1) using social and emotional learning (SEL) data to identify students [...]

We’ve all had that moment: A student is being particularly challenging or stress from the job is reaching a boiling point. For many, the natural reaction is to get angry and want to scream and shout. Education can be an extremely stressful and challenging field to work in. This, coupled with low pay, harsh scrutiny, [...]

Teach SEL on a Continuum: Ideas to Promote Strong Relationships with Infants – 8th Grade Students DECA/DESSA Blog Series, Part II This is the second in a series of posts from Aperture Education’s Senior Research Associate, Jennifer Robitaille. Before joining Aperture Education, Robitaille worked with the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. She has worked extensively [...]

SEL in Practice: Resolving Conflicts through Restorative Justice Sometimes, good intentions can work against you. Research shows that when punitive practices such as expulsion and suspension are used too frequently, schools/programs are actually less safe, have lower academic achievement and face increased dropout rates. For these reasons, organizations are moving away from punitive forms of [...]

Have you considered implementing morning meetings in your school or class? You should. Schools benefit from this practice in many ways. The quick, 20-minute sessions strengthen the teacher-student connection; reduce bullying, absences, and behavior incidents; and improve school culture. Here are the four key components of morning meetings and ways meetings reinforce social and emotional [...]