Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a rapidly growing field influencing the educational non-profit sector. It is a set of skills that help individuals to better understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. SEL has been shown to have a positive impact on academic performance, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. As such, educational non-profits have been increasingly investing in SEL initiatives and programs to help their students succeed. In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting developments in the use of SEL in educational non-profits, including the use of technology, the development of innovative curricula, and the expansion of SEL into the workplace.
The Use of Technology
One of the most interesting developments in the use of SEL in educational non-profits is the use of technology to facilitate SEL instruction. Technology can be used to provide students with access to SEL resources, create interactive learning experiences, and provide real-time feedback on student progress. For example, Common Sense Education has developed an online platform that provides teachers with access to SEL resources, lesson plans, and activities. The platform also includes a student dashboard that allows teachers to track student progress and provide real-time feedback.
In addition, there are a number of SEL-focused apps and websites that are designed to help students develop their SEL skills. Mindful Schools has developed a mobile app that provides students with access to mindfulness activities, such as guided meditations and breathing exercises. Similarly, the non-profit organization MindUP has developed an online platform that provides students with access to SEL resources, such as videos and activities.
The Development of Innovative Curricula
Another interesting application of SEL in educational non-profits is the development of innovative curricula. Many non-profits are developing curricula that are specifically designed to teach SEL skills. CASEL has developed a comprehensive SEL curriculum that is designed to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life. The curriculum includes activities and lessons that focus on the development of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Many non-profits are also developing curricula that are tailored to the specific needs of their students. Turnaround for Children has developed a SEL curriculum that is specifically designed to meet the needs of students who have experienced trauma. The curriculum includes activities and lessons that focus on helping students to understand and manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop positive relationships.
The Expansion of SEL into the Workplace
Finally, one of the most interesting developments in the use of SEL in educational non-profits is the expansion of SEL into the workplace. Many non-profits are developing SEL programs and initiatives that are designed to help employees develop the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Mindful Schools has developed a workplace SEL program that provides employees with access to SEL resources, such as videos and activities. The program also includes a series of workshops that focus on developing the skills needed to manage stress, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
In conclusion, educational non-profits have been investing in SEL initiatives and programs to help their students succeed. These initiatives and programs include the use of technology to facilitate SEL instruction, the development of innovative curricula, and the expansion of SEL into the workplace. These developments demonstrate the importance of SEL in the educational non-profit sector and the potential for SEL to have a positive impact on student outcomes.
