Authored by Andrea Smith, Education Consultant SIG Leader

Can social emotional learning (SEL) have an impact on English Language Acquisition (ELA)?  Factors such as home environment, teacher quality, and student readiness are known to determine ELA outcomes. There is a scientific basis for possibly including SEL standards in English Language Plans (ELP), however, in order to make specific implications for using SEL in the actual planning for English Language Learners in the classroom, more research is needed on data-driven methods of developing inclusive environments where all students feel their assets are valuable and that their culture is considered. In the Social Emotional Learning Guidance Standards from Virginia Department of Education (VASELGS), five areas are identified: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Social Management, Relationship Skills, and Decision Making and can be used to determine their relationship with language acquisition. Additionally, these standards are definitely worthy of considering when collaborating with homeroom teachers, other staff members and stakeholders. 

For more information check out the VASELGS @ Virginia Social Emotional Learning Guidance Standards. Videos from the Virginia Department of Education on Social Emotional Learning for all populations can be found @ Social Emotional Wellness Video Quick Guides - Virginia CLC (vastudentservices-clc.org).