11 | ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | ANNUAL REPORT 2023–2024
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
THE CASEL 5 FRAMEWORK: ENHANCING SEL IN SCHOOLS The CASEL 5 Framework is an evidence-based approach to integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools, promoting students’ academic, personal, and social development through five core competencies: 1. Self-Awareness: Recognizing one’s emotions, thoughts, and values; understanding strengths and limitations. 2. Self-Management: Regulating emotions, thoughts, and behaviors; managing stress; self-motivation. 3. Social Awareness: Empathizing with others from diverse backgrounds; understanding social and ethical norms. 4. Relationship Skills: Building and maintaining healthy relationships; effective communication; conflict resolution. 5. Responsible Decision-Making: Making ethical, safe, and socially appropriate choices; considering consequences and well-being. For the 2023–2024 school year, ABRSD focused on introducing the CASEL 5 Framework through: • Professional Development: Training PK-8 educators • Targeted Instruction: Teaching CASEL 5 competen- cies through schoolwide programs such as advisory periods, morning meetings, and whole school assemblies • Curriculum Integration: Curriculum coaches worked to identify how SEL instruction integrates into the elementary math and reading programs • SEL Benchmarks: Developing “Can Do” statements to define SEL skill progression K-6
K-6 SEL “CAN DO” STATEMENTS The mental health staff created K-6 developmental benchmarks for SEL skills, organized by CASEL competency and guided by a number of department of education SEL standards from states across the country. Skill progression is based on child development and presented as “Can Do” Statements, both in profes- sional and student-friendly language. This work aims to support educator professional learning, student data-based decision making and progress monitoring, and the district’s Vision of a Graduate work. SECOND STEP PROGRAM: STARTING FALL 2024 ABRSD formed a K-12 Bullying Prevention and SEL Curriculum Task Force to identify an evidence-based program that aligns with CASEL and includes strong bullying prevention programming. Second Step was chosen for PK-12 implementation starting Fall 2024. Key Components: • Skills-Based Lessons: Age-appropriate lessons from preschool to 12th grade, including K-8 bullying prevention units. • Family Engagement: Resources for families to support SEL at home. • Professional Development: Training for educators on lesson delivery and classroom management. • Program Monitoring: Tools to assess student progress and program effectiveness. Research indicates that Second Step improves social- emotional skills, behavior, and academic achievement, supporting overall student well-being and success.
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