District Wide Social and Emotional Learning in The Winnetka Public Schools
SEL Defined
Social and emotional learning (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 (CASEL).
SEL Impact
Research shows that social and emotional learning (SEL) promotes improved academic outcomes for students. These benefits are long-lasting and help students succeed in school and life.
SEL promotes...
SEL connections
The Winnetka Public Schools SEL mission statement
Social-emotional learning nurtures our capacity to become empathetic, accepting, and responsible citizens. We learn to embrace struggles as opportunities for growth, develop self-awareness, and solve problems. Ultimately, social-emotional learning is the foundation of all learning — as emotional well-being is essential to healthy, productive engagement in society.
Resources
Benefits of The Ruler Approach
Through training in the RULER approach, teachers and leaders learn the skills to create and sustain a positive emotional climate, as well as support individual development of emotion skills for students and adults.
Why the RULER Approach?
- Evidence based approach to SEL instruction
- Common, consistent language and practices
- Focus on emotional regulation
- Developmentally appropriate K-8
- Aligns with progressive philosophy- whole child centered
RULER supports:
- Positive shifts in school climate
- Enhances academic performance
- Better quality relationships
- Less bullying and aggressive behavior
The RULER Skills
Recognizing emotions in self and others
Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions
Labeling emotions accurately
Expressing emotions appropriately
Regulating emotions effectively
The RULER Tools
The Charter:
A tool that builds and sustains a positive climate through a shared agreement between people about how they want to feel at work or while engaging in learning.
Mood Meter:
A tool that builds greater self and social awareness about our emotions.
Meta Moment:
A tool that trains people to respond to emotional triggers in more effective ways that align with one’s best self.
Blueprint:
Provides a structure to problem-solve interpersonal conflicts with empathy and perspective taking.