Governor Tom Wolf signed a proclamation declaring today, March 26, 2021 Social Emotional Learning Day in Pennsylvania to demonstrate support for integrating evidence based SEL into schools, organizations, and communities. 

SEL is centered around utilizing soft skills such as critical thinking, managing emotions, problem solving solutions, and team work to enhance academic, personal, and professional success.  

According to the Center for Promotion of Social and Emotional Learning (CPSEL), SEL4PA, and Center for Schools and Communities, SEL is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL improves academic outcomes, builds positive school climate, and provides children with the necessary skills to excel in today’s workforce. 

High school students that participate in the PA Youth Voice Coalition share the importance of SEL, the skills they already possess, and which skills they hope to sharpen to better serve them in the future in this recording.  

The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has identified five key areas of SEL: responsible decision making, self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship skills. Individual states determine where the model fits into their school curriculum. Pennsylvania follows guidelines for preschool and early elementary SEL development. SEL improves academic outcomes, builds positive school climate, and provides children with the necessary skills to excel in today’s workforce. 

Learn more about International SEL Day: SELday.org