Social & Emotional Learning in the EWSD

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)  is directly connected to equity. Schools play an important role in teaching the skills that individuals need to be successful in all facets of life. By fostering the development of SEL skills, we are ensuring that all students have the foundation required to learn and grow.   SEL improves our students’ attitudes about their learning and their personal power.

When schools partner with homes and communities to support the social and emotional learning of students, the benefits can include: 

  • Improved student attitudes about self, school, and others

  • Improved social-emotional skills

  • Improved academic performance

  • Increase in positive classroom behaviors

  • Reduction in conduct problems

  • Reduction in student feelings of distress

  • Reduction in substance use

  • Improved graduation rates and vocational success

  • Improved school climate and staff retention

  • Equitable and inclusive support that ensures all students have what they need to succeed 

Read more about the benefits of SEL on the CASEL webpage.

Staff to Support SEL

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To help further our efforts, the EWSD has Social and Emotional Learning Coaches for our schools. We have also focused the work of Behavioral Interventionists to support students and staff on an individual basis.

The Coach’s main responsibility is supporting all of our staff as they work to build the social and emotional skills of students across EWSD.  We are using the 5 competencies consistent with the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) to guide our work.

Dylan McNamara, Director of Social & Emotional Learning and Wellness, leads this work across the district.