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.