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2 Integrating Academics and Social Emotional Learning
Title of the book
Letter from the Team
M ost people have assumed that the kind of academic learning that goes on
In a school has little or nothing to do with one’s emotions or social environment.
Now neuroscience is telling us exactly the opposite. The emotional centers of the
brain are intricately interwoven with the neurocortical areas involved in cognitive
learning.
Multiple research studies demonstrate that social and emotional learning programs
(SEL) pave the way for better academic learning. They teach children social and
emotional skills that are intimately linked with cognitive development. In the ideal
learning environment, children are focused, fully attentive, motivated, engaged, and
enjoy their work. Children become empowered to be their best selves.
Appreciating the important links between SEL and academic learning, we at Vertita
continue our commitment to focusing on our two of founding principles; Strength in
academics and the development of the whole child - creativity, adaptability,
empowerment, and resilience through the application of SEL. When it comes to
children, we are developing students that will have the knowledge and ability to
play in the real world AND cultivate well-being.
Enjoy the following eBook which further articulates this vision for Verita, and the
promises that we offers our children for their future.
S ocial and emotional learning (SEL) is 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. In his book Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman sites the evidence of
SEL as a complex and multifaceted skill that allows individuals to be effective in all the
critical domains of life, including school. Simply stated: “It's a different, and more
effective way of being smart.”
While many education programs promote a set of values and approaches that attempt to
lead to responsible behavior, social emotional education has a broader focus. They place
more emphasis on active learning techniques, the generalization of skills across settings,
and the development of social decision-making and problem-solving skills that can be
applied throughout life.
Focus is the ability to
According to a 2015 report by the
American Enterprise Institute and the
manage our
Brookings Institution, SEL competencies distractions instead of
are critically important for the long-term letting our distractions
success of all students in today’s
economy.
manage us.
-Daniel Goleman
The report was developed by a group of bipartisan experts who all agreed that research
clearly indicates the implementation of SEL into an academic setting not only helps students
develop the attitudes, behaviors, and cognitions to become “healthy and competent”
overall—but also significantly improvers academic performance by integrating the two
domains to develop a “whole child”.
Imagine a classroom where teachers are supportive, students are inspired, and children care
.
about one another and are working together to solve these challenging problems. That’s social
and emotional learning (SEL) in action, and it’s happening in the Verita classrooms everyday.
We now know that children can learn respect, empathy, responsible behavior, and other social
and emotional competencies that help them succeed in school and life. Research shows that
social and emotional skills, attitudes, and behaviors can be taught and fostered throughout the
day. SEL in the classroom takes shape in a variety of ways. It is promoted through explicit
instruction, often using an evidence-based program, and is also be integrated across classroom
instruction and our academic curriculum. SEL plays an important role in classroom climate—for
example, how teachers build relationships with students, how students build relationships with
each other, and how conflict and discipline are addressed.
Evidence shows that when teachers implement interventions such as classroom management,
interactive teaching, cooperative learning, and interpersonal skills, the students attitudes
significantly increase as does the students desire and ability to engage in learning, participate in
class and complete homework. Further, the evidence demonstrates that with the integration of
SEL in the classroom, students score significantly higher on measures of cognitive problem-
solving skills, have increased test scores, and receive better grades.
Verita School views each child as a unique individual and one to be respected
for that uniqueness. Verita offers an environment which allows for the natural
unfolding of the child and builds a foundation for lifelong learning. Through a
carefully prepared environment and curriculum, the child is exposed to a
variety of experiences and materials. Each is designed to nurture the child’s
absorbent mind and foster his total development. Verita provides an
interdisciplinary oriented experience which facilitates independence, self-
confidence, self-learning and respect. Each classroom and curriculum offers a
unique meshing of learning styles which keeps pace with the individual
educational needs of the child in mind. Verita views the parents as primary
component in the education process. We are committed to working as a
partner with parents in an atmosphere of respect and concern to ensure a
meaningful experience.