How SEL works in an online learning platform
At an independent study charter school , where virtually all students have multiple educational , social and emotional challenges , piloting a blended learning SEL program aims to increase learning and high school graduation .
34 Leadership
“ The best climate for learning comes when students , staff and school leaders each take steps to become more emotionally self-aware and socially intelligent .”
– Daniel Goleman , “ Emotional Intelligence ” ( 1995 )
Meet Thomas , a typical Come Back Kids charter school student . Thomas is 19 and enrolled in CBK after having spent a year out of school and working various odd jobs . During his high school career , Thomas attended five different high schools – three comprehensive schools , one continuation school , and a previous CBK enrollment . During the recession , Thomas ’ family moved frequently , and he lived with whichever parent or relative had a job and the ability to support him and his sisters .
By his junior year , he was far behind in credits , and his counselor suggested he attend a continuation school . At the new school , in a new town where he did not know anyone , he felt like he did not fit in .
“ I just pretty much stopped going to high school , and no one really noticed ,” he said . “ I wanted to go to school , but I was so far behind I didn ' t really know what to do . My grandmother heard about CBK and said I should check it out . I enrolled and met with my teacher once or twice , but I really wasn ’ t interested in doing the assignments she gave me . Ms . B told me she was going to have to drop me for not participating and completing the required work , but that I could come back when I was ready to commit and do the hard work it would take to earn my diploma .”
Later that year , Thomas found out he was going to be a father , and after talking it over with his girlfriend , realized he needed to finish school so he could provide a better life for his son . He called “ Ms . B ,” teacher Develyn Biagas , who helped him re-enroll in CBK .
“ This time , I was ready and really wanted to finish , but I knew I had a long way to go ,”
By Janice Delagrammatikas and Debra Sacks