What is Social-Emotional Learning?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a practice that helps students of all ages understand their emotions, feel those emotions fully, and demonstrate empathy for others.. These learned behaviors are then used to help students make responsible decisions, create frameworks to achieve their goals, and build positive relationships with others. The goal for SEL is to create a positive school climate and culture that contributes to our students both academically and behaviorally. The state of Indiana has identified 6 SEL competencies or demonstrable characteristics the School City of East Chicago will focus on this school year. We will work with our students to learn the following skills: (insight, regulation, connection, collaboration, critical-thinking skills, sensory-motor integration, and mindset.) Our school social workers and counselors worked to create a schedule so each month, one of these six competencies will be taught in each classroom. Each grade level has access to SEL lessons and resources they can utilize with their students.

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) was developed to support our student's needs at large and individually. MTSS is an integrated, comprehensive framework that focuses on student-centered learning, individualized student needs, and the alignment of systems necessary for all students’ academic, behavioral, and social success. In each school building, a Student Support Team (SST) has been formed and will ensure student data will be analyzed, and the appropriate interventions are put in place to address the student's needs. School City of East Chicago will also seek to partner with a wellness and mental health company to provide clinical therapy to address both staff and student needs that Covid may have created. For SEL implementation to be successful, we must ensure our staff feel supported and are aware of their own needs. This year we will ensure each staff is celebrated throughout the school year. We will also look to create relaxing staff lounges that will support the emotional and sensory needs of the staff.