The Case for Social-Emotional Learning

SEL has been proven to be beneficial for racially and economically diverse students from rural, suburban, and urban places, showing it truly works for all students. Encouragingly, several school districts throughout the United States are paving the way on what high quality interventions and outcomes look like and others are beginning to follow suit.

This overview summarizes the research of an array of studies examining the outcomes and outlook of social and emotional learning in the current education system. The research shows the effect of social-emotional learning on a spectrum of students ranging from preschool to high school, tracking students through multiple grade levels.

Students need to know how to cope with stress, how to diffuse anger, and how to make a good first impression. They need to know how to find their identity and set goals for the future. Having a dedicated SEL program in schools allows us to teach these skills.” – Kristen Kopczynski, Getting Smart

Highlights

Improved Life Outcomes

Statistical evidence shows kindergarteners who have strong SEL competencies are more likely to graduate high school, complete a college degree, and obtain stable employment in adulthood.

Strong Return on Investment

A Columbia University study of SEL interventions through evidence-based programs found for every dollar invested, there was an economic return of $11.

Improved Economic Mobility

A bipartisan report by The Brookings Institution and The American Enterprise Institute determined that social-emotional skills are critically important for the long-term success of all students in today’s economy.