Educators at all levels can improve student success by integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) into every classroom using a systematic, curricular approach called Positive Action. Remediating social and emotional deficits creates an environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of the economic, social, and cognitive barriers the students bring into the classroom and the changing landscape in the world around them. Participants will consider research that supports integrated SEL by demonstrating improved student and school-wide outcomes. Recent experience has demonstrated that students need a strong social and emotional foundation to deal with uncertainty, change and trauma. Changing students’ intrinsic motivation to learn can be a critical component of their success and creates a transformational educational process.
J. Allen’s experience includes fifteen years directing programs serving children in school settings and twenty years as a volunteer working with at-risk youth, youth in custody, and foster children.