Elements that Foster SEL (08125)

Presenters: Dr. Garrett Podgorski

Participants will be guided through an overview of the Illinois Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards and the accompanying performance level descriptors. The session will clarify what social-emotional learning is—and is not—while helping participants navigate resources that support the five core SEL competencies and assess students’ progress. Participants will also begin planning how to integrate SEL into an upcoming unit.

Participant Outcomes:
• Identify and understand SEL standards in relation to student needs
• Analyze the effectiveness of SEL standards, sub-competencies, and descriptors
• Explain the purpose of SEL, locate resources for embedding SEL, and recognize strategies that support SEL benchmarks

The remainder of the workshop will focus on the 17 elements essential for supporting students in social-emotional learning. Participants will explore several of these elements, selected based on the 30+ grade-band walkthroughs and the most common opportunities for growth identified across the South Cook region. Practices will emphasize classroom instruction, environment, discipline, and management. Participants will reflect on how they currently support these elements and collaborate on ways to strengthen practices that enhance an SEL curriculum or integrated SEL approach.

Additional Participant Outcomes:
• Self-assess current practices that support SEL within classroom instruction and environment
• Identify enhancements, affirm effective practices, and collaborate on additional strategies that support essential SEL elements