Resource roundup: Social and emotional learning and school climate

A student’s success depends on more than academic knowledge. During the school years, children also grow by learning how to work with others and how to respond appropriately to their emotions. Having a safe and welcoming school climate is also a key part of helping students develop social and emotional skills.

Check out the following resources on social and emotional learning (SEL) and school climate from the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program.

Social and Emotional Learning

• REL Mid-Atlantic’s four-part series, A review of the literature on social and emotional learning for students ages 3–8, summarizes the benefits of SEL in early childhood and identifies the most effective characteristics of SEL interventions in school contexts.
• REL Midwest’s Ask A REL reference desk rounded up the current research on SEL and academic achievement in this response to a request from the field.
• Another REL Midwest Ask A REL response provides the latest research on SEL and outcomes for students of color and students from low-income families. A companion infographic explores the relationship between SEL and equity.
• To explore the roles of memory, emotions, and relationships in learning, check out this REL Northeast & Islands SEL video series:
  • Memory and its relationship to trauma and learning
  • The role of relationships in stress regulation
  • Emotions are contagious
  • Activating brains through relationships
• Families and communities play a key role in students’ social and emotional development. This REL Northeast & Islands webinar explores how to include these groups in SEL interventions.
• How does SEL correspond to college and career readiness? Check out REL Pacific’s infographic to learn more.

School Climate

• REL Mid-Atlantic’s webinar on assessing school climate focuses on the aspects of a positive school climate, which is an important piece of education reform.
• A REL Midwest webinar showcases strategies for using school climate data to enhance student performance.
• Learn how Cleveland Metropolitan School District uses school climate data to improve learning opportunities in this REL Midwest webinar.
• What does the research say about the relationship between school climate and student outcomes? Check out REL Midwest’s Ask A REL response to learn more.
• A REL Northwest infographic on shifting the current school climate highlights how school climate affects students’ emotional security and sense of belonging.
• To learn more about the academic effects of school climate, see REL Southwest’s report on understanding the role of noncognitive skills and school environments in students’ transitions to high school. Just interested in the highlights? Our short animated video summarizes the study’s key findings.
• Learn more about student perceptions after participating in listening circles with REL West’s report on short-term impacts of student listening circles on student perceptions of school climate and of their own competencies.
• This REL West report seeks to answer the question, How are middle school climate and academic performance related across schools and over time?