Bullying Prevention and Intervention

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Guidelines for the Implementation of Social and Emotional Learning Curricula K-12

Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010, An Act relative to Bullying in Schools, required the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to publish guidelines

for the implementation of social and emotional learning curricula in kindergarten to grade 12 inclusive. The guidance and related resources can be found on our Bullying Prevention and Intervention web page under #9: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The goal of SEL curricula is to help students acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to recognize and manage their emotions, demonstrate caring and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and constructively handle challenging social situations. Most importantly for schools, effectively implementing SEL programs provides a foundation for creating a safe learning environment where all students can succeed. Key findings on effective SEL work in schools include the following:

Improved academic achievement: Students in SEL programming experienced significantly greater academic achievement than students who do not receive SEL.
Improved school attitudes and behaviors: SEL instilled greater motivation to learn, a deeper commitment to school, increased time devoted to schoolwork, better classroom behavior, and improved attendance and graduation rates.
Fewer negative behaviors: Among students receiving SEL instruction, disruptive class behavior, noncompliance, aggression, delinquent acts, and disciplinary referrals decreased significantly.
Reduced emotional distress: Reports of student depression, anxiety, stress, or social withdrawal significantly decreased among students receiving SEL instruction.

Source: Durlak, J.A. Weissberg, R.P., Dymnicki, A.B., Taylor, B.D., & Schellinger, K.B. The impact of enhancing students' social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions (2010).

Last Updated: September 20, 2011