Classroom instruction in the field of “Social and Emotional Learning” (SEL) has recently come under fire, particularly from conservatives. Critics see SEL as a mechanism for the government to indoctrinate students on controversial social issues. But should teachers abandon social and emotional learning altogether?

In this episode, Naomi and Ian are joined by Nathaniel Grossman, a research intern at the Fordham Institute and former elementary school teacher. Nathaniel explains how Social and Emotional Learning has always been a critical component of a child’s education. He highlights the importance of creating a comfortable environment in the classroom for children to express their concerns and to teach them how to function well and collaborate with others. He worries that some forms of SEL will run contrary to values students are learning at home. And he is also concerned that in the name of improving students’ mental health, districts are eliminating testing and other assessments. Lowering expectations for students, which in turn lowers students’ expectations of themselves, is SEL done poorly.

Resources:

• Schools have no choice but to teach social and emotional skills | Nathaniel Grossman | Fordham Institute

• What It Will Take for Social and Emotional Learning to Succeed | Frederick M. Hess and RJ Martin | American Enterprise Institute

• A Dubious Consensus on ‘Social and Emotional’ Learning | Frederick M. Hess | American Enterprise Institute

Show Notes:

• 02:50 | What is Social and Emotional Learning?

• 04:18 | Children will pick up social and emotional cues whether or not they are intentionally taught

• 07:23 | Handling hot topics like gender identity and school shootings in the classroom

• 11:30 | On sheltering students from potentially triggering standardized testing

• 15:10 | The harm of lowering standards in the name of SEL

• 18:45 | Evaluating students’ social and emotional skills