MTSS Social Emotional

Departments

MTSS Social Emotional

multi-tiered systems of support: social-emotional

All students receive universal social-emotional support in all settings, school-wide.

Students who need further interventions receive them in addition to the continuing Tier 1 foundation.

SDUHSD Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Social-Emotional

One example of a universal Tier 1 support is a specific focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Our middle school Second Step or Thrively lessons are an illustration of direct SEL instruction. A high school English course asking a student to understand the perspective or motivation of a character is an indirect illustration.

The short-term goals of SEL programs are to: (1) promote students’ self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship, and responsible decision-making skills; and (2) improve student attitudes and beliefs about self, others, and school. These, in turn, provide a foundation for better adjustment and academic performance as reflected in more positive social behaviors and peer relationships, fewer conduct problems, less emotional distress, and improved grades and test scores. (Durlak et al., 2011; Greenberg et al., 2003)

Self Management. Managing emotions and behaviors to achieve one

Some SEL programs teach social and emotional skills directly. . Occasionally programs address topics such as substance abuse prevention, violence prevention, health promotion, and character education. Other SEL approaches have specific curricular and instructional components that foster safe, caring, engaging, and participatory learning environments that build student attachment to school, motivation to learn, and academic achievement. (Zins et al., 2004)

3 Simple SEL Practices - focused on small practical actions, infused into existing class and academic content

Welcoming Rituals - predictable routines create safety, set focus or tie into/prime for the learning of the day
Engaging Practices - lessons that include interaction, sense-making, reflection, "think time" and brain breaks activate more cognitive processing