Cultural Diversity in Social Emotional Learning

• In Event: 77.057 - MTCC Roundtable Session 35
  In Roundtable Session: 77.057-9 - Students' Voice and Cultural and Racial Diversity in Social and Emotional Learning

Abstract

As social emotional learning (SEL) becomes more prominent in education policy, educators and policymakers must ask how to ensure efforts to improve student SEL are equitable for all. Although there has been research that connects SEL to positive outcomes in such areas as academics and careers, very little of this research has been done through an equity lens. This paper addresses this gap by investigating cultural differences in the conceptualization of SEL skills common in the literature. Using qualitative data from a larger study that involves work with a community organization, this study examines how students from various cultural backgrounds value SEL skills included in their school districts’ accountability system.

Author

• Nancy Duchesneau, Michigan State University