The CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL leads school-based teams through a process for systemic SEL implementation.
This process helps schools coordinate and build upon SEL practices and programs to create an environment that infuses SEL into every part of students’ educational experience and promotes equitable outcomes for all students.
Learn more about systemic SEL
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The Schoolwide SEL Process
The School Guide’s four focus areas help you organize, implement, and improve your SEL efforts. While implementation is not a linear process, we recommend beginning with Focus Area 1 to build a strong foundation. Then, your school can engage in activities to both strengthen adult SEL (Focus Area 2) and promote SEL for students (Focus Area 3). Every step of implementation is guided by a process of continuous improvement (Focus Area 4). In each focus area, you’ll also have an opportunity to track your school’s progress through the Schoolwide SEL Implementation Rubric.
Download the CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL Essentials.
See an implementation timeline.
Organize
Developing a strong foundation for SEL helps ensure that efforts are sustained long term. This requires engaging the entire school community and developing a coordinated plan for implementation.
Focus Area 1A
Build Foundational Support
Build foundational support by establishing an SEL team, fostering commitment to SEL, and developing a communications strategy.
Focus Area 1B
Create a Plan
Develop a shared vision, assess needs and resources, then develop a yearlong SEL implementation plan and budget.
Implement
Schoolwide SEL means that both adults and students are actively cultivating their own social and emotional competencies. Here you'll find guidance for supporting SEL for all.
Focus Area 2
Strengthen Adult SEL
Support all staff in cultivating their own social and emotional competence and promoting SEL for students.
Focus Area 3
Promote SEL for Students
Create opportunities for students to practice SEL schoolwide, in the classroom, and through family and community partnerships.
Improve
Continuous Improvement is essential for quality implementation that's aligned to your school's needs. Here, teams use data to reflect and take action.
Focus Area 4
Practice Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities for improvement, and examine data to refine your plan.
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Wherever you are in the implementation process, the CASEL Guide to Schoolwide SEL can help guide your next steps.
Where to Start?