You may not find it as a stand-alone class in the curriculum, but social and emotional learning is an integral part of education.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) means teaching students how to manage their emotions and how to collaborate and empathize with others. Also known as soft skills, character education, and good citizenship, it’s all about getting along with others and knowing oneself, abilities everyone needs to function in a social setting. These skills also help students do better academically.

The most popular framework for SEL instruction is the CASEL 5. CASEL is the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, a group that provides free online instructional resources for SEL. The CASEL 5 are the five SEL core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.