Today, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) released for public comment draft social-emotional learning (SEL) standards for students in DC public and public charter schools. Once adopted, the standards will support students in kindergarten through adult education.

“Social-emotional learning standards are an essential piece of providing DC students with a high-quality, equitable education experience,” said State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant. “These standards will help foster school environments where students feel safe, seen and loved, ultimately promoting learning and practicing social, emotional and academic skills, all of which are critical for development and supporting students in their learning and their lives.”

The draft standards include lessons that help students to:

• Recognize, understand, express and manage emotions;
• Know when to ask for help;
• Set and work toward personal and academic goals;
• Empathize with and respect others;
• Understand the impact of decisions on individuals and the community;
• Non-violently de-escalate and resolve conflicts; and
• Build and maintain positive, respectful and healthy relationships across different environments.

Developing the K-12 SEL Standards is part of OSSE’s 2023-25 Strategic Plan to foster student and staff wellbeing. OSSE led the collaborative development process with national social and emotional learning experts, with technical support from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Developing the SEL standards, which began in September 2022, included writing groups, focus groups, in-person and virtual feedback engagements and a survey.

Now, members of the public are invited to provide feedback on the draft standards via an online survey or during one of four feedback sessions.

Virtual sessions:

• Tuesday, Dec. 19 from 6-7:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m.

In-person sessions at OSSE, 1050 First St. NE:

• Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 12-2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

RSVP for a feedback session.

The standards will be finalized in the spring, after public feedback is incorporated, and implemented by DC schools in the 2024-25 school year.

To view the draft standards and learn more about the DC SEL standards process, please visit the OSSE SEL standards webpage.