It has traditionally been assumed that high school students should learn strictly things that are provided in textbooks. Facts and figures, numbers and statistics all aim to fill adolescent minds. More recently, however, studies have shown that students actually benefit greatly from social-emotional learning (SEL) activities in high school and it has a lasting positive effect on academic success, mental health and skills needed for healthy relationships with peers and others.
Success In Academics
Hundreds of studies show consistent evidence that SEL boosts academic performance. When social-emotional skills are included in the educational mix, students have been shown to increase their tests scores by 11 percentile points, compared to students who did not participate in SEL programs. These students also showed improved classroom attendance and behavior, healthy coping skills to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, others and school.
Reduced Depression
Depression and anxiety are some of the most common mental health diagnoses among children and adolescents. Often these students lack effective coping strategies to deal with uncertainty and stress, and they struggle to solve problems independently and regulate their emotions. However, students who engage in social-emotional learning activities in high school have a far lower incidence of diagnosed depression than peers whose school experiences don’t include evidence-based SEL. By learning how to identify emotions, manage reactions, make responsible choices and empathetically connect with others, they often find a decrease in emotional distress. This creates more opportunities for them to build resilience and confidence in their lives.
Getting Along with Others
Studies have also shown that students whose learning includes SEL have fewer aggressive behaviors in the classroom. Tensions and reported cases of fights or disciplinary action at school plummet the further along that the students in their social-emotional skills development.
They can work with you to build a comprehensive and effective SEL program for high school students.
