Did you know that the roots of SEL can be traced back to Plato? He wrote in 327 B.C. in The Republic saying, “with a holistic curriculum and a sound system of education and upbringing, you produce citizens of good character.”
For over 100 years, social-emotional learning has been involved in American education. Studies show students who participated in SEL programs were more self-aware, had improved academic performance, had lower levels of conduct problems, and had reduced emotional distress.
According to a 2021 survey from the Fordham Institute, more than 75% of parents in both major political parties support addressing the social and emotional needs of children.