Social Emotional Learning

The mission of Social-Emotional Learning in MHS #280

The mission of the Counseling/Social Work Services of the Mendota High School, in partnership with home, school, and community, is to provide a comprehensive program that will assist all students. Counseling/Social Work Services will prepare all students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to become effective students, responsible citizens, productive workers, and lifelong learners.

What is Social Emotional Learning?

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.


Self-Awareness

The ability to accurately recognize one’s emotions and thoughts and their influence on behavior. This includes accurately assessing one’s strengths and limitations and possessing a well-grounded sense of confidence and optimism. Video from CASEL

Self-Management

The ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations. This includes managing stress, controlling impulses, motivating oneself, and setting and working toward achieving personal and academic goals. Video from CASEL

Social-Awareness

The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures, to understand social and ethical norms for behavior, and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports. Video from CASEL

Relationship Skills

The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. This includes communicating clearly, listening actively, cooperating, resisting inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict constructively, and seeking and offering help when needed. Video from CASEL

Responsible Decision Making

The ability to make constructive and respectful choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on consideration of ethical standards, safety concerns, social norms, the realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and the well-being of self and others. Video from CASEL

SEL Works

More than two decades of research shows that SEL leads to:

Increased Academic Achievement

According to a 2011 meta-analysis of 213 studies involving more than 270,000 students, those who

participated in evidence-based SEL programs showed an 11% point gain in academic achievement.


Improved Behavior

Studies show decreased dropout rates, school and classroom behavior issues, drug use, teen pregnancy,

mental health problems, and criminal behavior.


Strong Return on Investment

A review of six SEL interventions in evidence-based SEL programs showed that for every dollar invested

there was an economic return of 11 dollars.