SEL is not a passing educational phase to overlook. In fact, the importance of social-emotional learning in school has been recognized on a global scale. Major international organizations like OECD and UNESCO have active initiatives promoting greater social and emotional development in students, teachers, and communities.
Current educational approaches focus so heavily on academic performance that many students will enter the global workforce without the life skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex and globally interconnected world. Only 48% of secondary students surveyed feel that what they’re learning in class helps them outside of school.
And it is proving to be true since many employers say grads aren’t prepared for today’s workplace challenges and are missing the following five competencies upon graduation:
- Intercultural Fluency
- LeadershipCommunication
- Work Ethic
- Critical Thinking