Unintended lessons of SEL programs

A mixed-methods study of a large social-emotional learning (SEL) program revealed notable disparities in the ways that teachers and students perceived the program’s impact. Teachers believed the initiative empowered students, while the students themselves described the program as one that emphasized compliance. Madora Soutter summarizes her findings and offers three recommendations for teachers and administrators implementing social and emotional learning initiatives: Evaluate the intention behind SEL programming to avoid a deficit mindset; anticipate implementation roadblocks, such as the tension between some SEL programs and the inherent power dynamics in schools; and actively, authentically listen to students