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What is Social/Emotional Learning (SEL) Support?

SEL focuses on developing students' social and emotional skills including:

  • Self-awareness
  • Self-management
  • Social awareness
  • Relationship skills
  • Responsible decision-making

SEL and executive functioning skills are closely related, as SEL helps students to effectively utilize executive functioning skills such as planning, organizing and time-management. Support in the area of SEL typically involves fostering skill development in these five main areas in order to positively impact executive functioning abilities.


SEL in an MTSS Framework

In an MTSS framework, SEL principles and practices are designed to enhance the effectiveness of general education instruction and ensure that students have the necessary skills for educational success. The aim of SEL is to provide students who require it with increasingly intensive interventions that help them to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.


Tier 1

All students have access to Tier 1 supports in an MTSS framework, including the area of SEL. There are many ways in which our Tier 1 supports can foster student success with self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Providing parents with information relevant to their concerns is always an appropriate starting point for SEL concerns.


Making Referrals for Support Beyond Tier 1

At times, SEL-related concerns may arise despite Tier 1 supports and strategies being in place. In this case, more direct intervention may be required, especially if concerns fall outside of an age-appropriate range. When it appears the concerns fall outside of what is typical for their age level, the student should be referred to Student Support via an Incident in Educlimber. In order to know when a referral for SEL is appropriate, please ensure that the following Tier 1 supports have been consistently tried for at least two learning periods:




Unsure what to do? Please reach out to our SEL provider or visit Office Hours for guidance.

Social/Emotional Learning Provider


When Referrals are Received

Once Student Support receives a referral for SEL support, either the SEL provider will gather additional information regarding the concerns from the parent, HST, and possibly the student depending on their age. The additional information gathered will assist in making further recommendations.


Making Recommendations

Once the data has been reviewed, the parent and HST will be contacted with further recommendations.



Key Words: social skills, emotional skills, executive functioning, regulation, social thinking, SEL, social/emotional learning