In recent years, teachers have noticed a worrying trend in their classrooms. That means students are struggling more than ever with social-emotional skills. To learn more about the benefits and limitations of teaching SEL in schools, we surveyed nearly 500 teachers in the We Are Teachers community.
75% of teachers have noticed a significant decline in their students’ social-emotional learning (SEL) skills over the past 10 years.
Heather G., a third-grade teacher in Colorado, says, There may have been another time or two throughout my career where I had to evacuate the kids and clean up the room. Now it’s once or twice a month. ”
Maura Jones in North Dakota teaches a high school with multiple challenges of student motivation and initiative. Here’s what she told us:
Many teachers say they need more time to teach SEL to address current issues in their classrooms. From Katherine Sharp of Virginia: “These days we have to spend an incredible amount of time explicitly teaching SEL skills. , with an emphasis on considering each other’s perspectives. Certainly, the results of this explicit teaching are always valuable, but it influences other things we need to teach. ”
So what exactly are students having the most trouble with?
According to teachers, the skills students struggle with the most are impulse control (67%), initiative (42%), and problem solving (40%).
These skills are essential not only for success in the classroom, but also for life beyond the walls of school. Other skills that teachers reported were most difficult for students include:
Respect for others (36%) Self-discipline (37%) Stress management (30%) Empathy (30%) Considering the perspective of others (28%)
The good news? Most teachers (79%) believe SEL belongs in the classroom, and 77% say they feel comfortable teaching SEL.
However, the results are even more divided as to whether SEL is actually making a difference. Forty-eight percent of teachers reported seeing improvement, while 43% said there was minimal or no improvement. The remaining 9% are not sure.
Fundamentally, teachers see great potential in SEL, but current developments have had mixed results.
For some, the impact is undeniable.
But some feel SEL is being held back by a lack of consistency across schools and districts.
“I think it has increased SEL awareness among students and staff, but that’s about it. The key is consistency…and we don’t have that,” explained a middle school teacher in Michigan.
What does it take to improve your SEL?
Well, there are many things.
Teachers believe in SEL, but they are also clear about what it takes to make it work. The main areas where improvements can make a big difference are:
1. Standardized and high quality SEL instructions
Teachers want clearer and more consistent standards for SEL across schools and states.
“Most states have adopted and are currently using the Common Core Standards for Academics. Our nation would greatly benefit from common SEL standards,” says Shelly Holloway, a classroom teacher in Kentucky. .
2. Time and expertise
One of the biggest challenges teachers face is finding the time to teach SEL effectively. Some suggest that specialized professionals can take on this responsibility.
“I believe it! I wish I had more time,” said the Ohio high school teacher.
Some question whether all teachers are equipped to teach SEL.
“I don’t have enough knowledge or comfort to teach it. I’ve been a high school math teacher for 17 years and a library media specialist for 12 years. How can I be qualified to teach SEL?” , which of these roles do you play?” asked a Kentucky high school teacher.
3. Buy-in from students, teachers, and parents
For SEL to be successful, everyone needs to be on the same page, but that doesn’t always happen.
“We have SEL curriculum and time built into the day, but teachers aren’t using it for SEL,” said a middle school teacher in Texas.
Student investment is also an important piece of the puzzle. Some teachers have found success using science to engage students.
“It was helpful to have relevant data and brain scans as evidence,” said F. Weese, a middle school teacher in Oklahoma.
Still, SEL can be a tough sell for some students because of the conflict between home and school.
“Students are confused by the lack of consistency between home and school. If parents don’t follow the most basic SEL guidelines we consider, then what we’re teaching them… There is confusion and sometimes hostility,” explained a first-grade teacher in South Carolina.
4. How to evaluate and monitor progress
One of the major challenges teachers face is the lack of measurable outcomes in SEL.
Bottom line: SEL is important, but it needs more robust support.
Most teachers agree. Students really need SEL instruction, and teachers believe in its potential. But for SEL to be successful, schools need more support, better resources, and clear and consistent standards. To be effective, SEL requires a combination of factors, from time and training to stronger buy-in from students and families.
One teacher summarized it this way: “Consistency is the key, and we don’t have it…yet.”
