Social and Emotional Learning Strategies to Support Students in Challenging Schools

New and veteran educators often face particular challenges in the classroom. Problems include classroom management, student academic achievement, and job satisfaction. This research examines the effects of implementing a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) approach for students as part of the regular education for elementary public schools. SEL is an approach to help students engage in positive social interactions, make responsible decisions, recognize and manage emotions, and solve problems effectively while also achieving academic success.Research indicates that adopting a SEL program school-wide is beneficial for both students and teachers. A learning environment where students and teachers learn the SEL concepts together, speak the same SEL language and practice utilizing the concepts and tools results in school-wide development and growth. It is evident through the help of a SEL program and the teacher’s collaborative efforts, students and teachers are able to adapt and adopt new attitudes and beliefs which in effect enhances learning and reshapes the school culture.