Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
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The Partnerships for Social & Emotional Learning Initiative is a national research initiative that aligns elementary schools and after school partners in supporting social and emotional learning throughout the day. Boston is one of six cities participating in this multi-year initiative funded by the Wallace Foundation.
The goal of the partnership is to create seamless, high-quality learning experiences that help students develop a strong sense of self, think critically, form constructive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
We know from research and practical experience that strong social and emotional learning skills are a prerequisite for success in school and in life. Children need opportunities to learn and practice these skills in all of the spaces where they learn, work, and play.
Adults need opportunities to develop their own social-emotional repertoire too. When educators attend to their own social-emotional learning, they are better equipped to create supportive learning environments for children and to infuse their teaching with practices that build students’ skills.
Through the Partnerships for Social & Emotional Learning Initiative, Boston is investing in the social and emotional development of young people and adults across the whole day.
The initiative operates at both the site and system level, supporting stronger partnerships among individual schools and their partners and between the school district and Boston Beyond’s after school network.
In Phase 1, seven elementary schools and their community partners are working on improving how they develop three sets of skills:
Each site has developed an action plan tailored to their students and community. Every plan includes:
Citywide
Boston Public Schools
CASEL
PEAR Institute
Schools
David A. Ellis Elementary
James W. Hennigan K-8
Joyce Kilmer K-8
Thomas J Kenny Elementary
Hugh Roe O’Donnell Elementary
Michael J. Perkins Elementary
William E. Russell Elementary
Community Providers
African Community Economic Development of New England
Boston Scores
Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester
Community Music Center of Boston
Elevate Youth
One Bead
Playworks
Rehearsal for Life
YMCA
Young Audiences of Massachusetts
Attend a Workshop
Check out upcoming professional development opportunities open to all partners.