12 Nardin TodayFall 2022 A Spotlight on If you are familiar with the educational space, or have ever spent one day of your adult life in or around a school, you will notice that educators are big fans of acronyms. From IEP and PLC, to PBIS and SAT, some you may know, others you may find yourself scratching your head. But one acronym in particular that has received a lot of attention over the past two and half years is SEL, better known as Social Emotional Learning. But what is SEL and why is it an important component of today’s student? The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines Social Emotional Learning as, “the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.” We also know from an extensive body of research that an education that promotes SEL has long lasting positive effects on a child’s growth and development. Specifically, the inclusion of SEL concepts in curriculum has resulted in increased academic performance, improved classroom behavior, increased ability to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, their community, and their peers. Most importantly, these findings are supported across different demographics, socioeconomic statuses, and ability levels. At Nardin Academy, we have prioritized our students’ social emotional health in a variety of ways, through the various supports and programs available at each level. Read on to learn more about the services available and people responsible for helping out students maintain a healthy social emotional state during their time as a gator. Mental Health Social Emotional Learning in the Classrooms “ Mental health...is not a destination but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going. — Noam Shpancer, PhD
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