Advancing the Science and Practice of Social and Emotional Learning in Schools

In order for children to thrive in school and achieve their full potential later in life, schools must promote social and emotional learning (SEL), write Kimberly Schonert-Reichl and Pippa Rowcliffe from the Human Early Learning Partnership.

A growing body of research shows a correlation between social-emotional competence and academic success. Research also finds that students who participate in SEL programs at school show significantly improved social-emotional competence.

The authors maintain SEL skills can be taught through nurturing learning environments and experiences. To promote SEL in schools, social-emotional skills need to be given the same attention as academic skills. They need to be assessed, prioritised and used to inform policy.

Learn about the importance of SEL to children’s health, wellbeing and achievement in and beyond school.

This article was prepared for Horizon: Thought Leadership, a publication of the Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership, Department of Education and Training, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.