Creating an Effective Social-Emotional Learning Program at the High School Level: A School Improvement Plan

This school improvement plan details the importance of creating an effective social and emotional learning (SEL) program for high school students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current mental health crisis among teenagers. Current research points to SEL programs for improvement in nearly all areas for students, whether it be academic achievement, attitude and behavior, resilience, or overall connectedness with peers; furthermore, research also indicates decreases in student aggression and emotional distress. With those findings in mind, this plan was created to focus on the improvement of two specific SEL skills: social awareness and relationship skills. The plan outlines a two-year initiative to educate staff and students about SEL, to develop an SEL curriculum appropriate for high school students, and to foster a positive school culture and climate