Educators Meet to Increase Social and Emotional Learning in Mass. Public Schools

A child in elementary school who is getting bullied on a daily basis will struggle to develop his or basic literacy and math skills. A middle school child overwhelmed by the social demands of adolescence will fail to reach his or her academic potential. A high school student who lacks self-confidence and supportive friendships is less likely to achieve academically.

This connection between social and emotional development and academic achievement took center stage recently at the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Leadership Conference, which was co-sponsored by the (MSPP) in West Roxbury and Teachers 21.

More than a 100 advocates of SEL and educators from around the state met at MSPP to discuss how success in academics and life is irrevocably entwined with the ability of a child to manage emotions and interact with other people, which is what SEL programs in schools nurture. The purpose of the meeting was to enhance awareness of and commitment to SEL in Massachusetts’ schools, where the increased focus on standardized test scores has often placed SEL on the back burner.

“SEL is a child’s ability to regulate his or her emotions and behaviors, use effective problem-solving skills, and demonstrate pro-social and cooperative behaviors,” says John D’Auria of Teachers 21. While many models exist for this type of learning, a majority of school systems struggle to prioritize SEL programming due to the overwhelming demands for academic achievement. Ironically, the increasing evidence linking SEL programming and academic achievement may be what ultimately allows school districts and administrators to reallocate funds to support SEL initiatives.

Joining MSPP and Teachers 21 in organizing the conference were an alliance of SEL-committed organizations from throughout Massachusetts. These organizations believe, and evidence supports their belief, that a systematic and comprehensive approach to fostering social and emotional learning will also decrease bullying, substance abuse and other anti-social behavior, which if not addressed in childhood, could lead to long-term individual and societal costs

A major highlight of the one-day conference was a presentation by a world expert on SEL, Dr. Roger Weissberg, who gave his audience practical ways to implement consistent ongoing programs in their school systems. A professor of Psychology and Education at the University of Illinois, he is also the president of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning.

Also speaking at the conference was John Bynoe, the Associate Commissioner for Education in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Massachusetts, who described the state’s plans and strategies for SEL.

The overall message of the conference was that SEL to be effective, must be embraced by the whole community, be part of the teaching philosophy of the school system and be woven into the daily life of teachers, students, and all those who interact with children.

Among the school districts represented at the meeting were Boston, Newton, Needham, North Andover, Canton, Hudson, Chelsea, Saugus, Winthrop, and Wrentham. Also attending were representatives from Harvard, Simmons, Wellesley, BU, MSPP, BC, Tufts and other schools of higher education that train teachers.

Conference planners encouraged teams from each school district to come, get involved and take back ideas for their school systems. The teams consisted of administrators, superintendents, principals, mental health professionals, teachers and other stakeholders who could work together and who had the joint authority to create and roll out viable programs, according conference planners.

“We hope that this will be the first of several conferences this year that increase momentum around this issue,” says Dr. Nicholas Covino, president of MSPP,

At the event, conference planners also encouraged attendees to join and support the SEL Alliance for Massachusetts (SAM at www.SEL4Mass.org), a coalition of organizations advocating for increasing SEL in the public’s awareness and in the public schools.

About Teachers 21 - Teachers21 was founded in 1993 as a nonprofit organization. The mission of Teachers21 is to ensure that: 1) effective and caring teachers support every student to learn and achieve at high levels and that 2) skillful and persistent leaders provide knowledgeable and insightful guidance for every school and school district. For more information, please visit www.teachers21.org