Social and Emotional Learning

What Is SEL?

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) defines social and emotional learning (SEL) as the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Social and emotional learning advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities. (Adapted from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning [CASEL])

Guiding Principles

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an evidence-based practice with a deep research base. To inspire and provide direction for high quality SEL experiences across the state, the DPI has developed a set of principles to guide schools, districts, and out-of-school time programs. Learn more about each guiding principle.

1. Commit to equity
2. Employ a strength-based lens
3. Adopt a systems approach
4. Strengthen adult capacity
5. Partner with students, families, and communities
6. Build and sustain resilience
7. Assess to learn

Navigate DPI’s SEL Webpages