Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is broadly understood as a process through which individuals build awareness and skills in managing emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions that support success in school and in life. When we think of educating the whole child, their social and emotional development must be considered as a part of overall instruction.

Required Professional Development

Every other school year, school districts must use one of the professional learning days funded under RCW 28A.150.415 to train staff on SEL or SEL-related topics. For more information on this requirement, please review the Professional Learning Day Guidance.

Washington Adopted SEL Standards

The Washington Social Emotional Learning (SEL) standards and benchmarks were adopted in January 2020.

• SEL Standards, Benchmarks and Indicators
• SEL Standards and Benchmarks One-Pager | Chinese | Spanish

SEL Professional Learning Network

The SEL Professional Learning Network provides Washington state education professionals with SEL-related learning opportunities, including webinars, peer-to-peer exchange series, individualized support, and more.

Washington-Developed SEL Resources

Review Washington-developed SEL resources to help implement social emotional learning, including equity tools, learning activities, and related briefs.

SEL Online Module

This online module is designed to build knowledge and awareness for teachers, administrators, and school staff of what social-emotional learning (SEL) is and why it is important. In addition, the module explains how to implement and integrate SEL into different contexts in a culturally responsive way.

SEL Advisory Committee

The Washington state Legislature authorized the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Advisory Committee to continue to develop statewide support to advance and promote SEL.

Trauma-Informed SEL Practices

A trauma-informed child and family service system responds to the impact of traumatic stress on children, caregivers, and service providers. Programs and agencies within these systems infuse and sustain trauma awareness, knowledge, and skills into their organizational cultures, practices, and policies.

SEL Curriculum Grant

School districts can apply for up to $30,000 in funding for an evidence-based Social Emotional Learning curriculum. Priority for funding will be given to districts that have not already purchased evidence-based SEL curriculum and are eligible for high-poverty allocations from the learning assistance program. 

SEL Curriculum Grant Resources

• SEL iGrants FAQ and Key Points
• Washington state SEL Standards and CASEL Alignment
• Navigating Social and Emotional Learning from the Inside Out (wallacefoundation.org)
• Program Guide - CASEL Program Guide
• SEL Curriculum Grant Webinar
• January 4 Grant Application and Rubric Presentation

For more information, please email Ben Everett or call 564-200-3083.