Skills for Academic and Social Success in School

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. More than two decades of research demonstrates that education promoting social and emotional learning gets results. These findings come from multiple fields and sources, including student achievement, neuroscience, health, employment, psychology, classroom management, learning theory, economics, and the prevention of youth problem behaviors. (Collaborative for Academic Social & Emotional Learning (CASEL) 2019)

In Westborough Public Schools, across pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, all teachers are aligned horizontally and vertically with skill instruction using evidence-based curricula. We practice the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education’s guidelines of the four approaches to effective Social Emotional Learning instruction: explicit instruction; effective teaching practices; integration into academic instruction and a positive, school-wide culture supported by our leadership teams.

K-3 Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Documents

4-6 Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Documents

7-8 Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Documents

9-12 Social Emotional Learning Curriculum Documents

SEL Report Card Categories

The Report Cards for grades PK through 6 include standards that are in five SEL categories.

Self-awareness

The ability to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts. Including: understands and communicates feelings & needs and is willing to take risks as a learner.

Self-management

The ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations. Including: practices self control (verbally & nonverbally), demonstrates engagement in learning and works independently. (Grade 1-3 with stamina)

Social awareness

The ability to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. Including: recognizes the feelings of others and follows expected classroom/school routines.

Relationship skills

The ability to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups. This includes: communicating clearly, listening actively and cooperating with others.

Responsible decision-making

The ability to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. Including: makes appropriate choices about personal behavior.

K-3 SEL Report Card Standards

The kindergarten through grade 3 report cards include standards in the Social Skills and Work Habits categories that fall within particular SEI categories, as follows.

S t a n d a r d	S E I C a t e g o r i e s
Social Skills
Demonstrates problem-solving strategies	Responsible decision-making
Follows agreed upon rules	Self-management Social awareness
Cooperative with others	Relationship skills
Work Habits
Seeks help appropriately	Self-awareness
Actively listens and participates	Self-management Relationship skills
Contributes to class	Social awareness
Completes assigned work	Self-management Responsible decision making
Puts forth best effort	Self-management

Grades 4-6 SEL Report Card Standards

The grades 4-6 report cards include standards in the Learner Qualities category that fall within particular SEI categories, as follows.

S t a n d a r d	S E I C a t e g o r i e s
Learner Qualities
Is self directed	Self-awareness Self-management
Organizes time and materials	Self-management
Actively listens and contributes	Self-management Social awareness
Follows directions	Responsible decision making
Works cooperatively in small/large groups	Social awareness Relationship skills
Meets class work requirements	Self-management Responsible decision making

K-6 Report Card Scale

Students in kindergarten through grade 6 are assessed on SEL report card standards using this scale.

C

Consistently - Student consistently and independently demonstrates this learner quality in the classroom.

U

Usually - Student often or usually demonstrates this learner quality in the classroom.

S

Sometimes - Student sometimes demonstrates this learner quality in the classroom.

R

Rarely - Student requires adult support in order to demonstrate this learner quality in the classroom.

Pre-Kindergarten Report Card Scale

Pre-kindergarten students are assessed using this scale

NY	Not yet observed – Has not yet exhibited evidence
B	Beginning – Requires adult support
D	Developing - Demonstrates growth
E	Established – Demonstrates independence and confidence
G	Going beyond - Exceeds expectations of preschool
NT	Not Taught - This skill has not yet been taught
MP	Modified Program

Pre-kindergarten report cards represent observed skills and it is not expected for children to reach Established level until their kindergarten transition year

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