The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as an individual's ability 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. Strengthening SEL leads to improved academic outcomes and behaviors. At Arnold, we weave SEL into our school day by focusing on five SEL competencies:

  • SELF-AWARENESS: The ability to accurately recognize one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior. The ability to accurately assess one’s strengths and limitations, with a well grounded sense of confidence, optimism, and a “growth mindset.” Focus: Identifying emotions, Accurate self-perception, Recognizing strengths, Self-confidence and Self-efficacy

 

  • SELF-MANAGEMENT: The ability to successfully regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations — effectively managing stress, controlling impulses, and motivating oneself. The ability to set and work toward personal and academic goals. Focus: Impulse control, Stress management, Self-discipline, Self-motivation, Goal setting and Organizational skills

 

  • SOCIAL AWARENESS: The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to understand social and ethical norms for behavior and to recognize family, school, and community resources and supports. Focus: Perspective-taking, Empathy, Appreciating diversity and Respect for others

 

  • RELATIONSHIP SKILLS: The ability to establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The ability to communicate clearly, listen well, cooperate with others, resist inappropriate social pressure, negotiate conflict constructively, and seek and offer help when needed.  Focus: Communication, Social engagement, Relationship building and Teamwork.

 

  • RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING: The ability to make constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions based on ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms. The realistic evaluation of consequences of various actions, and a consideration of the well being of oneself and others. Focus: Identifying problems, Analyzing situations, Solving problems, Evaluating, Reflecting and Ethical responsibility.