Culturally Responsive Social and Emotional Learning: Evidence in Texas School Districts

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Two
  In Roundtable Session: Embracing Critical Discourse in Social and Emotional Learning (Table 16)

Abstract

Across the United States, school districts are implementing social and emotional learning (SEL), highlighting SEL as important for student development and well-being. However, as the public-school population of the United States becomes more racially and ethnically diverse, the need for culturally responsive SEL -SEL that focuses on affirming and including the cultural heritage of students of color- becomes more pressing. This type of SEL is especially needed in Texas, a state where the public-school student population is already majority students of color. This study analyzes the SEL websites of three large urban school districts in Texas for evidence of culturally responsive SEL. Results show that each school district shows evidence of implementing some form of culturally responsive SEL in one or more categories, however more research is needed to determine if culturally responsive SEL is truly practiced in schools.

Author

• Tabitha Reynolds, University of Texas at Austin
  Presenting Author