Recently, students in grades 3–8 completed the SelfWise survey, designed to measure confidence in social-emotional learning (SEL) skills aligned with CASEL’s Five Competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. This survey, a new tool from ERB (the provider of our annual standardized testing), complements our understanding of students’ academic progress by offering insights into their social-emotional development. The data helps us identify students’ needs, guide SEL programming, and tailor support to foster their growth.
While we’re still analyzing responses, a few key themes stand out. Overall, our students expressed greater confidence across all competencies compared to same-aged peers nationwide. In the lower grades, students strongly agreed with statements like “I like who I am,” “I apologize when I’ve accidentally hurt someone,” and “I will be happy and successful in my life.” These responses show that we are creating opportunities for students to develop self-awareness, understand the impact of their actions, and build a sense of optimism for their futures.
Older students most positively endorsed prompts such as “I apologize when I’ve accidentally hurt someone,” “I know how my teachers expect me to behave,” and “When friends are unhappy, I try to cheer them up.” These responses highlight their focus on relationships, empathy, and a sense of safety and connection at school.
Following Winter Break, we will come together to reflect on what this data reveals about our community. We can start that process by thinking about:
- What traditions and daily routines help students learn to care for themselves and others?
- Where is there existing space to embed new opportunities for growth?
- How do adults model and support each other to ensure SEL remains embedded in all aspects of our school culture?
SEL is a lifelong journey. While challenges will arise, the confidence our students express gives us a strong foundation to move forward with purpose and care.
– Anndrew Reinfeld, Director of Student Support
