Roughly 26 years ago educators across the world were introduced to the latest acronym “SEL." Social and emotional learning has changed tremendously in those 26 years and has become a top priority to most educators. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the latest definition is as follows: “Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”
At Benton Community Schools, SEL is at the forefront of all learning. Educating through a pandemic has not been easy and it’s been even more difficult for our students. Teachers are continuing to learn and implement new SEL practices. Thanks in part to Grant Wood Area Education Association, training is readily available for educators and support staff. We can help students who need additional social and emotional support. Lessons can easily be developed with SEL in mind and SEL fits into all of the Bobcat Wheel components.
As we’ve done pre-pandemic, during the pandemic and will continue to do, providing guidance and support in all areas of SEL is the Bobcat way. We pride ourselves on supporting our students in the best way possible.