The District’s initiative to address Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) preceded the State of Illinois’ Children’s Mental Health Act of 2003. This law stipulates that “every Illinois school district shall develop a policy for incorporating social and emotional development into the district’s educational program. The policy shall address teaching and assessing social and emotional skills and protocols for responding to children with social, emotional, or mental health problems, or a combination of such problems, that impact learning ability.” The district’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum is aligned with the Illinois Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Goals, Standards and Performance Descriptors.

Illinois State Board of Education - Illinois Learning Standards - Social/Emotional Standards (SEL) were articulated by the Illinois State Board of Education in 2004 and guide schools and districts to address three learning goals:

• Goal 1: Develop self-awareness and self-management skills to achieve school and life success.
• Goal 2: Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships.
• Goal 3: Demonstrate decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts.

Illinois State Board of Education - Illinois Learning Standards - Social/Emotional Standards (SEL) Performance Descriptors detail the specific abilities expected of students at all grade levels and are a helpful guide for teachers and families.