SEL in the Eye of the Storm
The Meeting House community has had much discussion and deliberation regarding statewide textbook bans that seek to tie Social Emotional Learning strategies to some ideological movement, rather than acknowledging demonstrated personal benefits and successful life strategies for individuals of all ages.
Specifically, Florida has rejected Math textbooks and other states, including Texas, have banned reading books under the same premise. Much is made of a perceived association to critical race theory.
SEL has historically been a completely uncontroversial topic. Because of this new notion of SEL, we have read and listened to many parent & professional groups who have strong feelings about the subject that differ from ours.
We have tried to be as disciplined in practicing what we preach as possible — seeing it from another vantage point, listening with empathy and engagement and regulating our emotions. None the less, we are more fervent than ever in our commitment to our mission and the beneficial contribution of SEL strategies for individuals and society.
The Alternative Notion of SEL
Right activists like Chris Rufo, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, have sought to tie social-emotional learning to the broader debate over the teaching of race, gender and sexuality in classrooms.
Mr. Rufo stated that while social-emotional learning sounds “positive and uncontroversial, in practice, SEL serves as a delivery mechanism for radical pedagogies such as critical race theory and gender deconstructionism.”
“The intention of SEL,” he continued, “is to soften children at an emotional level, reinterpret their normative behavior as an expression of ‘repression,’ ‘whiteness,’ or ‘internalized racism,’ and then rewire their behavior according to the dictates of left-wing ideology.”
The Perspective of a Higher Education on SEL
Timothy Dohrer, Director of Teacher Leadership at Northwestern University said, “Cutting social emotional learning out of textbooks is “shortsighted”. If you asked 100 C.E.O’s what skills they want in a new hire, the top five skills are going to be about social-emotional learning - not algebra”. He went on to say: “Are you a nice person to talk to? Are you going to be a good co-worker?” Finally, he concludes, “We know that the best way to teach SEL is to combine it with math, social studies, whatever”. “SEL has no connection to critical race theory,” says Dohrer, and yet it is being connected at local school board levels and local communities, as well as in the national dialogue.
Our Reaction
Because of this and other comments that are aligned with these notions we have taken the opportunity to curate a group of articles that provide multiple perspectives in framing the issue which is complex and nuanced, especially because of the attempt being made to link SEL to CRT.
Our opinion as direct service providers of SEL remains stalwart regarding the importance of social skill building and emotional development and understanding for people of all ages. There are many reasons that we feel this way. Not only because every day we bear witness to the powerful and transformational impact of the work we do but also because research shows its impact is so compelling.
The Research
Evidence demonstrates an education that promotes SEL yields positive results for students, adults, and school communities. In fact, research suggests that students with stronger SEL skills earn higher test scores. SEL has a powerful combination of evidence and support. The findings below come from multiple fields and sources and include analyses of hundreds of studies that show SEL leads to beneficial outcomes related to:
· Social and emotional skills
· Attitudes about self and school
· Civic engagement
· Social behaviors
· Conduct problems
· Emotional distress
· Academic performance
In Conclusion
As SEL providers we will continue to advocate for teaching SEL in schools, after school and out in the community with parents as well.
Our world view is that as problems get increasingly complex, critical thinking skills and higher level analytical skills are paramount. Students, early on, build brain power in a non binary way which strengthens their ability to reason and be successful socially and emotionally, in and out of the classroom, on their own developmental trajectory. It also prepares them for thinking in a multi-perspective pattern allowing for complex evaluation leading to unique solution development. This is critical for successful team functioning which includes conflict resolution skills.
Fundamentally, eliminating SEL from curriculum sells children short. It diminishes their potential greatness when we only teach to the learning of how to get the right answer and not how to problem solve in a more general way. Our vision for a greater nation of young leaders is whole child based and rooted in the connection between mind and body.
Sincerely,
The Meeting House Team