Bullying writing 2 pages

Social Emotional Learning Guided Responses

Introduction to Social Emotional Learning

To address issues of bullying and other social-emotional concerns, schools are adopting social and emotional learning (SEL) programs (Jones & Bouffard, 2012). Researchers and programs have varying definitions of SEL. Jones and Bouffard (2012) defined SEL considering three categories: emotional processes (e.g. emotional knowledge, regulation, empathy, etc.), social/interpersonal skills (e.g. understanding social cues, interpreting others’ behaviors, interacting positively, etc.), and cognitive regulation (e.g. attention control, inhibiting in appropriate responses, etc.).

Research findings on the relationship between SEL and student outcomes varies, depending on the SEL program and research. However, overall findings indicate a correlation to academic achievement, behavioral adjustment, and emotional health and well-being (Jones & Bouffard, 2012).

There are many questions to consider when examining SEL:

What is the purpose of public schools? Is it to address academic learning or more, such as social emotional learning?

If SEL should be adopted in schools, there are other questions to consider:

How much time and money should be spent on SEL?

Should SEL be determined by individual teachers or should it be systematic throughout schools and districts? Are there risks to systematic SEL?

Should students be tested on SEL?

What type of SEL programs should be used? (NOTE - There are many addressed in the supplemental readings: Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS), Quiet Time Program, Fast Track, Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS), and Mindful Schools).

To prevent bullying, should SEL be used? Is it an appropriate replacement for zero tolerance policies regarding bullying?

Please answer the question prompts under each response thoroughly. You should support your opinion with information from the readings; however, you also may share your own experiences and observations in the responses. Use the guide below to receive full credit.

All questions for each response prompt (e.g. Response 1, Response 2) are fully answered. For each prompt, there are at least two pieces of information from the readings supporting your opinion. Information can be noted with the use of specific facts, quotes, or cited with page number.

Response 1: Bullying

In preparing for this response, it is recommended that you note the following information from the CNN article, Bullying is a ‘Serious Public Health Problem’ Report Says:

· Effects of Bullying

· What is Bullying

· Ideas on Prevention (e.g. zero tolerance practices, SEL)

After reading this article, do you agree or disagree with using SEL to help prevent bullying? Should zero tolerance practices be used? If so, how? Please explain.

Response 2: Mindfulness

There are many different types of SEL programs. Mindful Schools is one program, and this reading, Research on Mindfulness, provides a summary of research findings. After reading the research findings, do you think SEL should be implemented in schools? Is it worth the cost and time? If so, how much?

www.mindfulschools.org has more information on mindfulness as well as film clips of it in practice.

NOTE: The following supplemental readings provide information on other programs and research findings, which may be helpful in addressing this response:

Using Meditation to Help Close the Achievement Gap (NY Times)

Learning Soft Skills in Childhood Can Prevent Harder Problems Later (NPR)

Why Emotional Learning may be as Important as the ABCs (NPR)

Response 3: Testing SEL

In the New York Times article, Testing for Joy and Grit?, the debate regarding whether to test for SEL is addressed. In preparing for this response, it is recommended that you note the arguments for testing and for not testing SEL.

After reading the article, what is your opinion about testing for SEL? Please explain.