The Carolina Family Engagement Center (CFEC) is committed to equity, excellence, and opportunity in education. We accomplish this through our partnerships with K-12 schools, teachers, families, community partners and institutions of higher education to effectively share resources with each other.
The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) identifies these five core competencies of SEL: Self- Awareness, Social Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making and Relationship Skills. Children who learn how to express emotions in healthy ways and engage in caring and respectful relationships are happier, more competent and more capable of dealing with the pressures of life with greater strength, wisdom and resilience. Additionally, research summarized by Edutopia indicates that SEL instruction enhances academic achievement. Although anyone can benefit from developing social and emotional skills at any age, the earlier the better. Children who are socially and emotionally competent by the age of eight have a decreased risk for depression, violence, substance abuse and other serious mental health issues as young adults.
In a series of three issues, our CFEC team have put together tools and resources to help teachers, families and communities improve the SEL of children across South Carolina. In our first issue, we examine to importance of teacher self-care: highlighting practical tools teachers can use during these uncertain times. In our second issue, “Family-School Partnerships,” our team looks to parents as the first teachers of SEL to children, providing important insight and practical activities for families. Our newest issue, “Equity-Centered SEL,” focuses on CFEC’s committment to educataional equity. In concert with community partners and University of South Carolina Faculty and Staff, we have compiled resources, critical analyses and stories of encouragment as we all work to promote equity in South Carolina.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Teacher Self-Care (.pdf)
As a teacher, you spend a lot of time taking care of others often at the expense of taking care of your own needs. Teacher stress has only increased with all the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Self-care is necessary now more than ever for you to maintain good mental health and continue to do what you do best.... TEACH! The resources shared in this issue will help you develop the strategies you need to both take care of yourself and support students who are entering the uncharted territory of school reopening in 2020.
Family - School Partnerships: Key to Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) (.pdf)
Parents are the experts on their children’s unique social, emotional, and behavioral characteristics. They are also the first teachers of their children and have been impacting and developing their child’s social and emotional skills for years. Although parents are likely doing things every day to influence their child’s social and emotional learning (SEL), it is a relatively new thing in schools and many parents may not know what SEL is and why it is important.
Equity-Centered Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Improving Outcomes for All Students (.pdf)
Using a holistic approach to support students and ensure SEL practices are equitable in schools, will help teachers and administrators move beyond telling students how to behave and instead focus on proving them with opportunities to reflect on their behavior in positive and supportive environments. Ensure that these practices are provided equally to all students is critical for effective SEL.
School Decision-Making Tool for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians
Many parents, caregivers, and guardians face new and difficult choices about how their child will return to school in the fall, such as deciding between in-person and virtual learning. This tool is designed to help parents, caregivers, and guardians weigh the risks and benefits of available educational options to help them make decisions about sending their child back to school.