Leading Social-Emotional Learning in Districts and Schools

Abstract

This book will provide educational leaders a comprehensive set of suggestions, recommendations, and resources related to leading the implementation process for social-emotional learning. We begin with an exploration of the meaning of social and emotional learning—and the various operational definitions currently in use among leading educators and SEL-related organizations. The introductory section of the handbook also reinforces our assertion that SEL and equity are two closely interrelated priorities in education today—perhaps the two singularly most significant priorities we are all facing in our profession. Next, the handbook explores the nature of effective SEL leadership, including priorities for superintendents and other educational leaders, as well as the importance of distributed leadership via networking and the building of communities of practice related to aligning social-emotional learning with student health, nutrition, and academic progress.