Overview
According to Utah State Board of Educator Administrative Rule R277-100-2 (28): Definitions for Utah State Board of Education Rules, "Social Emotional Learning" or "SEL" means the process through which students acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitude, and skills necessary to:
- understand and manage emotions;
- set and achieve positive goals;
- feel and show empathy for others;
- establish and maintain positive relationships;
- make responsible decisions; and
- self-advocate.
SEL is not a specific curriculum, but an ongoing process and initiative that schools may implement in order to create the culture and climate needed for students to feel safe, connected, and be successful in their academic pursuits. Successful SEL initiatives increase student protective factors, help build essential skills that students need to be successful now and in the future, help students think critically, and enable students to work collaboratively with others.
Social Emotional Learning - A Utah State Board of Education Technical Assistance Document