MO school board won’t move forward with social-emotional learning standards

Missouri’s Board of Education will not be moving forward with statewide standards for social-emotional learning.

The #MoSBOE chose to use the work of the Social-Emotional Learning Work Group as a framework/resource document for stakeholders, but not to move forward with implementing statewide SEL Standards. More discussion about student behaviors and classroom management to come.

— Missouri DESE (@MOEducation) October 17, 2023

The board decided that at Tuesday’s meeting after they received 1,800 public comments regarding the issue.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success.

The proposal includes 15 standards, known as the MO CORE Skills. CORE stands for Competencies Of Relationship-building Education by setting expectations in three categories: me, we, and others.

Under the “Me” category, “Students will demonstrate a healthy sense of self.”

• Ability to process and manage one’s own thoughts and behaviors to regulate emotions in a healthy manner.
• Ability to examine one’s own behavior, take ownership, and be accountable for one’s actions.
• Awareness and beliefs in one’s own strengths, interests, skills, and areas for growth, trusting in their abilities.
• Ability to set, monitor, and achieve attainable goals with perseverance.
• Advocacy for oneself to promote health, safety, and personal needs.

Under the “We” category, “Students will demonstrate relationship-building skills that are critical to employment and life success.”

• Effective teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation.
• Constructive decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Awareness of and respect for others, different and similar to oneself.
• Understanding that different settings require different behaviors and the ability to adjust to those settings.
• Effective communication includes self-expression and active listening.

Under the “Others” category, “Students will demonstrate prosocial skills that have a positive effect on those around them and improve their communities.”

• Understanding others’ feelings or emotions accurately.
• Empathy and compassion for others, including concern for how one’s behavior affects others.
• Respect and treat others with kindness, civility, and dignity.
• Fair, equitable, and just treatment of others.
• Advocacy for others as individuals or communities.

Opponents say these are conversations that should be had at the kitchen table, not in the classroom.