Impacts, Importance, and Backlash Surrounding Social–Emotional Learning

Today, educators and parents recognize the importance of nurturing students' academic excellence and social–emotional skills. Educational institutions and teachers play a critical role in promoting social–emotional learning (SEL), which helps students understand and manage their emotions, maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. 

Unfortunately, legislation in some states has sought to ban or limit SEL—causing a ripple effect throughout schools nationwide. This article will discuss the backlash surrounding SEL today; how schools, organizations, and parents can better understand this issue; and what the future holds for the future of SEL education.

What is SEL?

In general, social–emotional learning is developing self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation to help one interact with others positively. More specifically, according to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework, SEL contains five competencies, including: 

• Self-awareness—the capacity to understand one's own emotions, thoughts, strengths, and limitations. 
• Relationship skills—the establishment and maintenance of healthy and supportive relationships. 
• Self-management—the effective management of one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.
• Responsible decision-making—the caring and constructive choices one makes about their personal behavior and social interactions across different situations.
• Social awareness—an understanding of the perspectives of others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and contexts. 
  

Individuals who develop these skills can make responsible decisions, maintain healthy relationships, and positively impact their communities. Because of this, social–emotional learning has become a priority in schools nationwide, and educators began integrating it into their curriculums.

Why is SEL taught in schools?

Experts agree that SEL is an integral part of today's education curriculum. According to the American Psychological Association's (APA) "Top 20 Principles" of pre-K to 12 classroom teaching and learning, three pertain to the social context and emotional dimensions that affect learning. For example, according to one of the principles, "Classrooms provide a critical context for cultivating social skills. One essential skill is developing successful relationships with peers and adults. This skill highly depends on students' ability to communicate thoughts and feelings through verbal and nonverbal behavior."

Experts believe social–emotional skills are crucial for a student's academic and emotional development. Research shows quantitative proof that effective SEL can lead to improved student academic achievement and better behavioral outcomes. A Yale School of Medicine article cites a report revealing that students participating in SEL programs feel better in school and report less anxiety, stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Students were also more connected and included and had better relationships with peers and teachers.

Teachers also benefit from these skills. Edutopia suggests that social and emotional competencies help teachers avoid burnout and increase well-being. Research from the University of Chicago finds that school leaders who foster collaboration among teachers create healthy school climates that ultimately lead to students' academic gains. Understanding how SEL competencies work enables teachers to better respond to students' needs and see things from their perspective.

The SEL backlash 

Despite all the research and positive outcomes surrounding teaching SEL, bills in at least eight states have sought to ban or limit SEL curricula, according to a recent APA report. For instance, Montana state Representative Lola Sheldon-Galloway proposed a bill banning SEL in schools. According to Education Week, she argued that lessons emphasizing the regulation of emotions and empathy violated parents' right to handle their children's upbringing. However, by the end of the education committee hearing on the bill, during which parents and lawmakers lined up to voice their opposition, Sheldon-Galloway changed her mind.

Why the backlash? Jordan Posamentier, vice president of policy and advocacy at the Committee for Children (one of the country's largest SEL providers), tells APA that the two main concerns fueling the attacks on SEL are that the programs are part of an agenda to teach progressive ideas in school and that they are a distraction from academics. Reports suggest concerns have arisen during school board and PTA meetings. Parents fear SEL is a slippery slope to teach kids about topics like racial inequality and sexual orientation. These concerns have also circulated in the media. For example, an article in the Washington Examiner suggested SEL could be a "Trojan horse" for teaching children about critical race theory and gender diversity. 

This backlash has caused confusion and problems in school systems across the county. One school went on a "soft" lockdown due to several written threats of violence received by school district officials. The threats stemmed from parents complaining about a video shown to seventh graders at the Raymond Elementary School in Wisconsin that depicted harassment and bullying from several perspectives, including racial, gender, and LGBTQ+, according to The Racine County Eye report. In response, the Raymond School District Curriculum Committee decided to sever ties with an organization that provides SEL curriculum. Despite the threats, several parents supported the principal, citing that the school board was out of touch with the parents and educators and the needs of the students. 

If these bans and funding cuts are successful, children and teenagers will suffer at a time when depression, anxiety, and suicidality are on the rise, according to Youth Mental Health. Many suggest SEL critics ignore the extensive body of studies showing that these programs improve student well-being, academic success, peer relationships, and overall school functioning. Research also reveals that SEL can help address significant risk factors for suicide among youth, including anxiety, substance use, and sexual abuse. So, how are organizations and educators tackling the controversy and keeping SEL in schools? By explaining what SEL is—and what it is not. 

How educators and organizations address SEL concerns 

To curb any misinformation, school officials, educators, and organizations are addressing SEL concerns in different forums. CASEL has made efforts to speak to parents directly about SEL by hosting roundtable discussions. Through these measures, the organization found parents want social–emotional learning done effectively and in an evidence-based way.

Kent Reed, a climate and wellness program manager at the Kansas State Department of Education, found himself explaining the state's SEL standards repeatedly as community members and parents need clarification about what the standards mean for schools. He tells Education Week, "When you look at what we're doing with workforce development, with post-secondary, and with statutes providing a safe and supportive school climate, almost everybody can get on board." SEL organizations like the Committee for Children help school districts find straightforward ways to highlight SEL benefits. For example, they provide easy-to-digest research summaries on the benefits of SEL skills, including reductions in substance misuse, violence, and suicide.

The future of SEL

Despite the controversy and confusion, data shows that families, lawmakers, and communities do value SEL. A national survey conducted by Fordham Institute showed that more than 80% of parents supported schools teaching kids to navigate social situations, express and control their emotions, empathize with others, and stand up for people of different backgrounds. Experts agree that providing clear, jargon-free explanations of what SEL skills are and how they support learning will keep parents and educators working together toward the same goal—advancing student well-being and academic success.