Social Emotional Learning

Per IC 20-19-5 passed in 2019, the IDOE, in collaboration with other agencies, is required to have a plan for children's social, emotional, and behavioral health.  A Plan was subsequently developed the contents of which spell out competencies and best practices for schools who are required to address the Social Emotional needs of students. Associated with the requirements for schools was the requirement that schools adopt an evidenced based curriculum for their SEL programming.

What is Social Emotional Learning?

An element of the Department of Education's SEL plan includes training for educators which outlines what SEL is and best practices to be used by educators in Indiana. The following presentation outlines fundamental information about SEL: Serving the Whole Child.

Social Emotional Learning is an essential process that humans undergo to develop their emotional IQ. School SEL curriculum is designed to assure that all students have access to the necessary knowledge, and are exposed to the process in order to empower themselves throughout their lives. The process produces the following intended outcomes.

Students will:

  • Acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities

  • Manage emotions

  • Achieve personal and collective goals

  • Feel and show empathy for others

  • Establish and maintain supportive relationships

  • Make responsible and caring decisions

LPCSC Evidence Based Curriculum

In response to the requirement of adopting evidenced based curriculum for our SEL programming, LPCSC has chosen two social emotional curriculum programs associated with evidence-based research; The first, Second Step, was selected for its developmental lesson content, transparency, and easy facilitation for grades K-8. The second, Character Strong, was chosen for implementation in grades 9-12. Lastly, another format supporting student well-being is incorporated into our Health and Wellness classes for grades 9 and 10 through the drug prevention curriculum Botvin Life Skills Training.

Within this web page you will find additional specific information on each of the programs. It is through the combination of chosen curriculums that a transparent picture is presented linking student social emotional wellbeing to increased student academic success. Questions about these programs can be directed to our Director of Social Emotional Learning and Prevention, Anne Wodetzki, at awodetzki@lpcsc.k12.in.us.

What Social Emotional Learning is NOT

The context and content of SEL is often misunderstood. So, it is just as important to know what SEL is, as it is to know what SEL is NOT.

SEL is NOT:

  • An attempt to indoctrinate a set of principles based on political leanings

  • Instructing a student what to think, but building skills to learn how to think

  • Disregarding the parent’s role in nurturing their child's social emotional development