How does social-emotional learning (SEL) support students with disabilities?

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is fundamentally designed to help individuals recognize, understand, and manage their emotions while also developing interpersonal skills. For students with disabilities, SEL is particularly crucial as it fosters a sense of self-awareness and self-regulation, which can enhance their overall well-being and academic performance.

By helping students manage their feelings and interactions more effectively, SEL equips them with the tools to handle social situations, navigate challenges, and build positive relationships with peers and adults. This can lead to improved mental health, increased resilience, and better coping strategies, all of which are vital for students with disabilities who may face unique social and emotional challenges.

In contrast, other options do not align with the primary goals of SEL. Academic tutoring services do not address the emotional and social dimensions of learning. Focusing solely on cognitive development neglects the emotional and social aspects that are essential for holistic student growth. Lastly, limiting interactions with peers would undermine the very essence of SEL, which emphasizes building connections and fostering community among students.