WHAT WORKS IN EDUCATION The George Lucas Educational Foundation
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Social and Emotional Learning

OVERVIEW
HISTORY
EXPERTS
RESEARCH
WHY
What is Social and Emotional Learning?
When students work together on project teams, they learn to collaborate, communicate, and resolve conflicts. Cooperative learning and character development supports the social and emotional development of students and prepares them for success in the modern workplace. Watch an introduction video.
A Short History
Teaching the soft skills, traditionally associated with conflict resolution and character education, has evolved from being considered "wishy-washy" to being an integral part of educating the whole child. See how a movement takes off.
What Experts Say
National and local experts discuss how educating the whole child by including social and emotional skills with academics is critical for success in school and in life. See what the experts say.
SEL Research Review
Numerous research reports show that social and emotional learning (SEL) can have a positive impact on students' academic performance. Edutopia's SEL research review explores those reports and helps make sense of the results. Dig deeper.
Why Champion SEL?
Helping students develop a sense of self will ultimately help them to better manage their emotions, communicate, and resolve conflicts nonviolently. See how to help students build character.

Explore Examples That Work

Find profiles and research on K-12 schools, districts, and programs that are dramatically improving the way students learn using social and emotional learning. See the Big List.
Schools That Work Package
Social and Emotional Techniques That Help Students Focus on Academic Progress
Social and emotional techniques help kids stay focused in class and achieve academic success at Mount Desert Elementary, a rural K-8 school.
Video
How to Teach Math as a Social Activity
A master teacher in Anchorage, Alaska, establishes a cooperative-learning environment in an upper-elementary classroom.
Article
The WINGS Story: An After-School Program Helps Students Beat the Odds
A South Carolina program pioneers a model for teaching social and emotional lessons to the neediest children after school.
Schools That Work Package
Tackling Truancy, Suspensions, and Stress
This middle school is changing its culture with a meditation program called Quiet Time.
Article
Emotional Intelligence Is the Missing Piece
Social and emotional learning can help students successfully resolve conflict, communicate clearly, solve problems, and much more.
Video
Selling SEL: An Interview with Daniel Goleman
The author of "Emotional Intelligence" speaks on the value of social and emotional learning.
Article
A Parent Primer on Social and Emotional Learning
Learn the benefits of nurturing students' social skills and how to make it happen at their school.
Video
Peace Helpers Become Classroom Problem Solvers
At Brooklyn's PS 24, fourth and fifth graders resolve playground conflicts and train younger students to be peacemakers in their classrooms.

Foundations and Organizations