Why do SEL, equity and anti-racism go hand in hand? Because they don’t work independently. If you want to prioritize, focus on, or embrace one – you need to dive all in.
While I fully embrace and am driven by the 5 Core SEL Competencies coined from CASEL, I can also acknowledge that without intentionally focusing on anti-bias anti-racist (ABAR) values within each competency, SEL becomes white washed and quite honestly harmful for children. Without equity and anti-racism woven in, we can easily skate over creating positive racial identities, the importance of engaging in anti-bias conversations…our social emotional instruction will fall flat. Our students deserve this, and it is not controversial.
Who I Have Learned From
I have spent a lot of time learning from scholars and reading books about fostering anti-racism in schools. I’m always looking to expand my professional and student libraries. I am pumped to share with you the scholars and outlets that I have learned from… and know this isn’t an exhaustive list. Who have you learned from? This community needs us to share – please comment on this post with the voices that you have gleaned from so we can dive in, too.
This blog post from Elizabeth Devaney from Whole Child Connection really helped me unpack the CASEL competencies. While there are more ABAR threads and this is not a finite list, it really got my wheels turning and enhanced conversations within my professional circle surrounding this topic.
Reading this article from the Communities for Just Schools Fund opened my eyes to the concept of SEL being a form of policing. Yes, it’s big language to use, which is why this is a crucial read.
I love this table that gives tangible recommendations. It spells out the potential SEL pitfalls, and some recommendations on how to navigate. It’s important for us to remember that all of our school communities are unique. These recommendations will need to be individualized to meet the needs of your community populations.
This article from ASCD written by Dena Simmons is another super applicable resource, and one that originally sent me down this trail of learning. I am so captivated/haunted by her quote, “SEL without equity is just white supremacy with a hug”. What a powerful statement. Give yourself time to look into her research – it’s such important reading.
These resource recommendations from CASEL are another great springboard into learning more on this essential corner of SEL.
Cierra Kaler-Jones is another scholar who is dedicating so much time and energy into studying how anti-racism and SEL must work together in programming.
What have you learned? Tell us what questions you have! What do you want to keep learning about?
Can’t wait to hear.
