Social Emotional Learning, PART 2: HOTTEST TOPIC IN PUBLIC EDUCATION!

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...So what is different about the new SEL push? For one thing, it transfers the focus of instruction from family, civil, and religious institutions to the school (effectively, to government). It also formalizes and expands what teachers do naturally as part of running a classroom, perhaps with its own standards and curricula—either stand-alone or embedded in academic materials. It includes assessment of how well students perform pursuant to these standards and curricula. Is David sufficiently “empathetic”? Does Jennifer exhibit sufficient “leadership skills”? 

 SEL doesn’t assume the presence of licensed counselors or other trained clinicians for its implementation. Rather, as illustrated by this CASEL report on recommended SEL programs, standard procedure is to offer some sort of training to teachers and perhaps designated administrators and have them teach the material and evaluate the results (as discussed in detail throughout this paper, this means to assess whether students’ personality or character traits are developing as desired). 

 Because the data from these assessments may be included in the statewide longitudinal data system, to endure forever and perhaps to shape the child’s future path, there is much justifiable concern about the source and subjectivity of SEL standards and the qualifications of the implementing personnel. Carried to its logical conclusion, SEL can replace parental influence with the ultimate nanny state. 

 But concerns aside, enormous sums are being poured into SEL in public schools. One 2017 study by a pro-SEL organization estimated that K–12 public-school systems spend approximately $640 million each year on specific programming and practices designed to instill SEL. Teachers also reported that they spend about eight percent of their time on SEL, which would translate into another $30 billion annual investment. Any movement that is claiming such a substantial share of resources should be examined to see what, if anything, its accomplishing, and what problems it may create for children and their families...