EDU.5311 Foundations of Social Emotional Learning and Whole Child Education
Defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), social emotional learning (SEL) is "the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions." This course examines foundational social emotional competencies based on the New York State SEL Benchmarks which are adapted from CASEL's widely used framework: 1) Develop self-awareness and self-management skills essential to success in school and in life; 2) Use social awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships; and 3) Demonstrate ethical decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts. This course is designed to support educators to understand the research behind SEL and how it relates to improved school connectedness and stronger learning outcomes. Key findings from the fields of developmental psychology and childhood education will underpin course readings and other engagements with particular attention on developments in whole child education. This class seeks to foster in educators a deep sense of knowledge about social emotional learning and whole child education as a precursor to enacting systemic change in their school communities.