CASEL Framework
Moments for MySELf aims to improve social and emotional skills for students using evidence-based content. The main building blocks of Moments for MySELf are the five core Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) competencies:
CASEL is a trusted source for research-backed information about social and emotional learning (SEL). Its mission is to help make evidence-based SEL an integral part of education from preschool through high school.
According to CASEL, SEL interventions that address CASEL’s five core competencies increased students’ academic performance by 11 percent points, compared to students who did not participate in such programs. Students participating in SEL programs also showed improved classroom behavior, increased abilities to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about themselves, others, and school. CASEL’s framework promotes knowledge, skills, and attitudes across five areas of competence and multiple key settings to establish equitable learning environments that progress students’ learning and development.
CASEL Competencies
Competency 1: Self Awareness
The ability to understand your own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence your behavior across situations. Examples:
- Identifying emotions
- Demonstrating honesty and integrity
- Linking feelings, values, and thoughts
- Experiencing self-efficacy
- Having a growth mindset
- Developing interests and a sense of purpose
Competency 2: Self-Management
The ability to regulate your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations and to set and work toward goals and aspirations. Examples:
- Managing emotions
- Identifying and using stress management strategies
- Setting personal and collective goals
- Using planning and organizational skills
- Showing the courage to take initiative
- Demonstrating personal and collective agency
Competency 3: Social Awareness
The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and situations. Examples:
- Taking others' perspectives
- Recognizing strengths in others
- Demonstrating empathy and compassion
- Showing concern for the feelings of others
- Understanding and expressing gratitude
- Appreciating differences
Competency 4: Relationship Skills
The ability to establish and maintain healthy and meaningful relationships with others. Examples:
- Communicating effectively
- Developing positive relationships
- Practicing teamwork and collaborative problem-solving
- Resolving conflicts constructively
- Resisting negative social pressure
- Showing leadership in groups
Competency 5: Responsible Decision-Making
The ability to make positive choices and take responsibility for positive and negative outcomes across diverse situations. Examples:
- Demonstrating curiosity and open-mindedness
- Identifying solutions for personal and social problems
- Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions
- Recognizing how critical thinking skills are useful both inside and outside of school
- Reflecting on one’s role to promote personal, family, and community well-being
- Evaluating personal, interpersonal, community, and institutional impacts
The teaching suggestions on this site only work in accompaniment with the student portfolio, which has all of the activity pages.