Prince William County Public Schools
Social Emotional Learning
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) defines Social Emotional Learning (SEL), based on the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) definition, as "the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions."
What is SEL?
SEL Competencies
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has developed a framework associated with SEL standards. Within each competency, there are overarching concepts that also indicate alignment to descriptors of Virginia's Profile of a Graduate. Each grade level band has a set of specific standards within each competency. PWCS strives for all students to attain skills to meet these standards that take into consideration vertical alignment throughout the student's academic career.
Taking a systematic approach to SEL enhances student learning and mastery of competencies. Families, schools, and communities are all part of student systems and shape their development and experiences. To read more about each of the key settings and engage with the interactive CASEL Wheel, visit the CASEL website.
Explore the five core SEL competencies
Self-Awareness
Ability to recognize and understand your own emotions & thoughts and how they influence behaviors.
Within the Self-Awareness competency, the overarching concepts that each student should attain with the Virginia's Profile of a Graduate descriptors:
- Recognize and understand the interaction between one's own thoughts and emotions. (Critical Thinking)
- Develop a positive identity and recognize personal strengths, interests, values, and challenges. (Creative Thinking)
Examples of this in action could be, but are not limited to:
- Identifying personal, cultural, and linguistic assets
- Identifying one's emotions
- Demonstrating honesty and integrity
- Linking feelings, values, and thoughts
- Having a growth mindset
Self-Management
Ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to achieve goals.
Within the Self-Management competency, the overarching concepts that each student should attain with the Virginia's Profile of a Graduate descriptors:
- Develop and demonstrate strategies for managing and expressing one's own emotions to persevere in challenging situations. (Communication)
- Demonstrate the skills related to achieving personal and academic goals. (Creative Thinking)
Examples of this in action could be, but are not limited to:
- Managing one's emotions
- Identifying and using stress-management strategies
- Exhibiting self-discipline and self-motivation
- Setting personal and collective goals
- Using planning and organizational skills
Social-Awareness
Ability to empathize and feel compassion for others, and understand historical and social norms.
Within the Social-Awareness competency, the overarching concepts that each student should attain with the Virginia's Profile of a Graduate descriptors:
- Demonstrate the ability to empathize with and show gratitude for others, including those with different and diverse perspectives, abilities, backgrounds, and cultures. (Collaboration)
- Demonstrate the ability to understand the broader historical and social contexts' impact on humanity. (Citizenship) Examples of this in action could be, but are not limited to:
- Taking others' perspectives into consideration
- Recognizing strengths in others
- Demonstrating empathy and compassion
- Showing concern for the feelings of others
- Understanding and expressing gratitude
Relationship Skills
Ability to build and maintain relationships, and communicate, listen, and work collaboratively with others.
Within the Relationship Skills competency, the overarching concepts that each student should attain with the Virginia's Profile of a Graduate descriptors:
- Apply verbal and non-verbal communication and listening skills to interact with others, form and maintain positive relationships, and resolve conflict constructively. (Communication)
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively collaborate and navigate relationships while valuing different and diverse perspectives, abilities, backgrounds, and cultures. (Collaboration)
Examples of this in action could be, but are not limited to:
- Communicating effectively
- Developing positive relationships
- Practicing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving
- Resolving conflicts constructively
- Seeking or offering support and help when needed
- Standing up for the rights of others
Decision-Making Skills
Ability to evaluate positive and negative consequences of actions as they relate to self and others.
Within the Decision-Making Skills competency, the overarching concepts that each student should attain with the Virginia's Profile of a Graduate descriptors:
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, through reflection, the benefits and consequences of various actions within the decision-making process. (Critical Thinking)
- Demonstrate the ability to make ethical decisions as a global citizen and evaluate outcomes based on one's own identity and the impact on humanity. (Citizenship)
Examples of this in action could be, but are not limited to:
- Learning how to make a reasoned judgment after analyzing information, data, and facts
- Identifying solutions for personal and social problems
- Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one's actions
- Recognizing how critical thinking skills are useful both inside and outside of school
Responsible Decision-Making Social-Emotional Learning Video (PBS)
SEL in PWCS
Our Philosophy
PWCS believes SEL is a fundamental part of education and human development. We are dedicated to creating a school division in which SEL is embedded in our educational practices and providing opportunities to enhance skills among our students, families, and staff.
We support the Virginia Department of Education's vision and mission:
"The vision of social emotional learning in Virginia is to maximize the potential of all students and staff to become responsible, caring and reflective members of our diverse society by advancing equity, uplifting student voice, and infusing SEL into every part of the school experience."
What We Do
PWCS implements a divisionwide program providing resources and support to create opportunities for both implicit and explicit social-emotional learning. Each school has a designated SEL Coach dedicated to doing the following:
- Assist in incorporating SEL standards into school practices and curriculum;
- Assist in building staff capacity to meet their own and students' social and emotional needs;
- Guide educators in developing and enhancing existing practices and tools to increase students' fundamental emotional and social competencies; and
- Assist in the implementation of schoolwide programming to support a positive climate and culture for both staff and students.
Resources for Families
Parents and caregivers are students' earliest teachers and are essential in promoting and supporting SEL. Here you will find resources and tools on how to foster growth and development within your home as well as how to partner with schools to help shape implementation efforts.
Harmony SEL Remote Learning Support for Educators and Families
Online toolkit to help parents and caregivers practice social and emotional skills with students in grades preschool-6.
ParenTeen Connect
ParenTeen Connect is a place where parents and teens can communicate, connect, and break through on tough topics.
PBS SEL @ Home
Videos and resources for families to use to introduce, enhance, and supplement SEL at home.
Sesame Street Family Resources
Resources to help children and families navigate everyday challenges.
Six Seconds
Insight and advice for parents and caregivers on creating an emotionally intelligent family. Also includes a few articles for kids.
VDOE Social-Emotional Wellness Video Quick Guides
Quick videos surrounding multiple topics on social-emotional wellness.
Whole Child, Whole Family Health
Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides ideas and tips for families to get healthy physically and mentally.
Contact Us
-
Heather Wines
Supervisor, Social Emotional Learning -
Chavonne Thomas
Administrative Coordinator -
Erin Williams
Administrative Assistant