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Home » Student Success » Resources by Subject Area » Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is broadly understood as a process through which individuals build awareness and skills in managing emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions that support success in school and in life. When we think of educating the whole child, their social and emotional development must be considered as a part of overall instruction.

Washington SEL in the Spotlight

Washington continues to receive national recognition for SEL programs run through OSPI.

“It’s wonderful to see OSPI’s hard work recognized. Washington’s engagement in SEL is crucial to the health, well-being and futures of our students, schools and communities.”

Tammy Bolen ~ Social Emotional Learning Program Supervisor, OSPI

Community Q&A: Meet Steve Marley, bus driver for Highland schools for 25 year​​​​​​​

SEL Professional Learning Network

The SEL Professional Learning Network provides Washington state education professionals with SEL-related learning opportunities, including webinars, peer-to-peer exchange series, individualized support, and more.

SEL Advisory Committee

The Washington state Legislature authorized the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Advisory Committee to continue to develop statewide support to advance and promote SEL.

Washington-Developed SEL Resources

Review Washington-developed SEL resources to help implement social emotional learning, including equity tools, learning activities, and related briefs.

Washington Adopted SEL Standards

The Washington Social Emotional Learning (SEL) standards and benchmarks were adopted in January 2020.

SEL Online Module

This online module is designed to build knowledge and awareness for teachers, administrators, and school staff of what social-emotional learning (SEL) is and why it is important. In addition, the module explains how to implement and integrate SEL into different contexts in a culturally responsive way.

NEW-Academic Integration Module

We are excited to launch the Academic Integration Module which will help educators integrate social, emotional and academic learning.  Educators will also learn about building a supportive classroom environment that focuses on equity.

Required Professional Development

Every other school year, school districts must use one of the professional learning days funded under RCW 28A.150.415 to train staff on SEL or SEL-related topics. For more information on this requirement, please review the Professional Learning Day Guidance.

Trauma-Informed SEL Practices

A trauma-informed child and family service system responds to the impact of traumatic stress on children, caregivers, and service providers. Programs and agencies within these systems infuse and sustain trauma awareness, knowledge, and skills into their organizational cultures, practices, and policies.