Welcome UT Elementary Families!
UT Elementary was a pioneer in bringing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into the classroom thanks in part to the dedication of our Founding Principal Ramona Trevino, Ph.D. and community education advocates Jeanne Klein and Betsy Abell. Research that was being done in 2005 at The University of Texas at Austin was used as the roadmap for the implementation of SEL at UT Elementary. Today, our school is still a model for how SEL can and should be incorporated into elementary schools.
Learn more about the history of SEL in this UT College of Education article: Teaching Inside Out.
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
The University of Texas Charter School System supports social and emotional learning through:
- Direct skill instruction for students using evidence-based social and emotional learning curriculums
- Development of positive culture and school climates, and
- Adult social and emotional competency.
Our SEL program uses the CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) wheel to engage our students, families and guardians.
The CASEL wheel highlights the five core social and emotional competencies, circled by four key settings where students live and grow.
Social Emotional Learning at UT Elementary
During the 2023-2024 school year, UT Elementary will be utilizing Second Step®, a social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum for elementary students, in every classroom. This curriculum teaches students skills for resolving conflict, working with others, forming healthy relationships, and making good decisions so that they can be more successful emotionally, socially, and academically. Learn more about Second Step® at their website: Second Step Program | Second Step
The social work team’s graduate-level interns from the University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work will be leading weekly, small SEL groups to work with students on targeted social, emotional, and behavioral skills. They will also be working with students individually based on referrals.
For more information about SEL at UT Elementary, or about Second Step implementation, contact Andrea Menchaca, SEL Coordinator, at andrea.menchaca@austin.utexas.edu
Additional SEL resources:
Download: 7 Tips for Practicing SEL at Home
Download: Family-Activities-Checklist
