About SEL

SEL Video DRAFT.mp4

Video Showcases the Importance of DPS Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum


Discover how Durham Public Schools' social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum is shaping brighter futures for our students. The SEL curriculum was implemented this year at the middle and high school level, and it has been in our elementary schools for several years. Watch our video to see SEL in action and its positive impact on our school community.

What is SEL?

"Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. "  -CASEL

Why is SEL important to DPS?

Emotions are a vital part of learning. Curiosity, frustration, excitement, hope, empathy, embarrassment, and pride are a few examples of emotions that can make school easier or more difficult for students. Explicit SEL instruction helps students (and adults) build feeling muscles to become more productive learners.   

The Five SEL Competencies from CASEL

"The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is a trusted source for knowledge about high-quality, evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL). CASEL supports educators and policy leaders and enhances the experiences and outcomes for all PreK-12 students."  

Click the link to learn more about CASEL and Social Emotional Learning. 

There are five core competencies of SEL according to CASEL.  The chart on the left shows these 5 competences;

The-Case-for-SEL-CASEL-ppt-deck

The Case for Social Emotional Learning

Social and emotional learning is an integral part of education and human development. 


SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to: 

 Social Emotional Resources