Social-Emotional Learning

Check out what is the following update by LPS’s Carolyn Troy, Director of Social-Emotional Learning curriculum, on what is happening in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at LPS!

We are excited to inform you that the Lynn Public Schools is launching the implementation of a Social Emotional Learning Curriculum called Caring School Community. Once fully implemented, the curriculum will entail in-class morning and closing circles, community chats (for grade K), class meetings, choice-time, cross-age buddies program, and home-school connection activities. We have begun to roll out the curriculum for the 2019-2020 school year, with a plan for full implementation during the 2020-2021 school year. Currently, the district’s goal is to orient faculty to the curriculum, provide professional learning opportunities that will support full implementation, and cultivate a Professional Learning Community, including the creation of school based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Leadership Teams.

The goals of the Caring School Community is to help students become caring, responsible members of their school communities by:

  • Building caring relationships
  • Teaching social and emotional skills
  • Creating learning environments that support student learning

Research supports the benefits of social-emotional learning in schools. Students who had experienced social-emotional learning in schools demonstrated:

  • Significantly higher academic achievement
  • Improved social-emotional skills
  • More positive classroom behavior
  • Reduced emotional problems such as depression or stress

The SEL skills taught in the Caring School Community program support development in the core SEL competencies as defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Success (CASEL). The CASEL framework sets out five key areas of competence: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Social-Awareness, and Relationship Skills.

The adoption of the Caring School Community for our K-5 schools is exciting. This curriculum aligns with and supports the Core Values of the District: inclusiveness, share responsibility, collaborative relationships, high expectations, and inspiring lifelong learning. The Lynn Public Schools is in the early stage of implementing the Caring School Community Curriculum, and is thrilled to provide you this update. We value home-school connection and are looking forward to communicating and partnering with families and the community as we implement this curriculum.

December 6, 2019