FY2026 SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET
ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT FY25 DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM OVERVIEW
DEPARTMENT:
ADMINISTRATOR:
Social Emotional Learning
Heather Stouch
ORGANIZATION/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) demonstrates a strong commitment to social-emotional learning (SEL) as a critical component of its educational mission. SEL is integrated into the Department of Teaching and Learning through a collaborative approach involving students, educators, administrators, support staff, and families. This focus aims to develop students’ abilities in five key areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These skills are viewed as essential for lifelong learning, fostering success both in school and beyond. To achieve these goals, ABRSD emphasizes building trusting relationships, promoting inclusivity and equity, and creating safe and nurturing school communities. The district’s SEL initiatives are aligned with the Collaborative for Academic and Social-Emotional Learning (CASEL) Framework and are embedded within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), striving for a comprehensive and equitable approach. Key areas of responsibility and focus within SEL at ABRSD include: 1. Oversight and Integration ● Leading the integration of social-emotional and behavioral learning across grades K-12 within the MTSS framework. ● Facilitating the adoption and implementation of the CASEL Framework to guide SEL practices district-wide. 2. Curriculum Development and Guidance ● Collaborating with leadership across the district to guide the adoption of SEL and bullying prevention curricula, including programs such as the Second Step SEL and Bullying Prevention Program. ● Developing K-6 SEL benchmark guidance to provide clear expectations and outcomes for student growth. 3. Support for School Leadership ● Collaborating with school leaders to strengthen SEL practices through MTSS, including areas such as: ○ Student and adult SEL ○ Behavior management and response ○ Advisory programs ○ Tiered SEL supports for students ○ School culture and climate 4. Professional Learning and Development ● Providing PK-12 professional learning opportunities for educators, administrators, and mental health providers to enhance SEL practices and strategies. 5. Screening and Assessment ● Coordinating district-level screeners and assessments to evaluate school climate, culture, SEL, and mental-behavioral health. This includes tools such as the DESSA-2 SEL screener at the elementary level and the school climate and culture survey administered in grades 3-12. 6. Leadership and Representation
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