Social Emotional Learning

IN THIS SECTION

Our Approach to SEL

At Washington International School, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven into the fabric of who we are, beginning with our Mission and Core Values and visible in our programming, discipline and restorative practices, and relationships. It is modeled through leadership, protected and prioritized in time and space, and embedded across classrooms, community spaces, and student experiences from Early Years through Grade 12.

We believe that SEL is a foundational component of academic learning. Our SEL framework is well-documented, clearly articulated, and skill-based, supporting student development through a tiered and scaffolded progression of competencies that build as students develop. Our approach is rooted in the belief that every day, every student deserves meaningful social and emotional engagement.

What is SEL?
At WIS, SEL is defined as a lifelong, dynamic process through which people acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to: understand and manage emotions develop healthy identities feel and show empathy for others establish and maintain positive relationships achieve personal and collective goals make responsible and caring decisions Our program is aligned with the five core CASEL competencies, edited to align with WIS values and language: Self-Awareness Self-Management Social-Cultural Competence Nurturing Relationships Purposeful Action and Decision Making
How and Where does SEL Happen at WIS?
At WIS, SEL is embedded into advisory, classroom instruction, and school culture, empowering students to self-advocate, be inquirers, manage emotions, develop empathy, and act with integrity and inclusivity. Our commitment to SEL includes: Clear objectives and a common language for social-emotional learning Trained and supported educators through ongoing professional learning opportunities. Shared vision and accountability across leadership, faculty, and families Flexible and adaptable practices that evolve with our community’s needs International-mindedness and multiple cultural perspectives Balance, joy, trust, and emotional safety are essential elements of learning We know that SEL begins at home, and parents, guardians, caregivers, and families are a child’s first SEL teachers. At WIS, we view families as essential partners in this work, and we honor that partnership through consistent communication, transparency, and collaboration. SEL at WIS is designed to support: Well-being for students Student voice and agency in shaping their experience A sense of belonging for all learners Respect for the multiple identities of every child Experiential learning, service, and purposeful fun At WIS, one of our Core Beliefs of Learning states, “We believe that learning is significantly affected by emotions”. We embrace this reality and when students feel safe, valued, and empowered, they thrive in school and in life.

What is SEL?

At WIS, SEL is defined as a lifelong, dynamic process through which people acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to:

understand and manage emotions
develop healthy identities
feel and show empathy for others
establish and maintain positive relationships
achieve personal and collective goals
make responsible and caring decisions

Our program is aligned with the five core CASEL competencies, edited to align with WIS values and language:

Self-Awareness
Self-Management
Social-Cultural Competence
Nurturing Relationships
Purposeful Action and Decision Making

How and Where does SEL Happen at WIS?

At WIS, SEL is embedded into advisory, classroom instruction, and school culture, empowering students to self-advocate, be inquirers, manage emotions, develop empathy, and act with integrity and inclusivity.

Our commitment to SEL includes:

Clear objectives and a common language for social-emotional learning
Trained and supported educators through ongoing professional learning opportunities.
Shared vision and accountability across leadership, faculty, and families
Flexible and adaptable practices that evolve with our community’s needs
International-mindedness and multiple cultural perspectives
Balance, joy, trust, and emotional safety are essential elements of learning

We know that SEL begins at home, and parents, guardians, caregivers, and families are a child’s first SEL teachers. At WIS, we view families as essential partners in this work, and we honor that partnership through consistent communication, transparency, and collaboration.

SEL at WIS is designed to support:

Well-being for students
Student voice and agency in shaping their experience
A sense of belonging for all learners
Respect for the multiple identities of every child
Experiential learning, service, and purposeful fun

At WIS, one of our Core Beliefs of Learning states, “We believe that learning is significantly affected by emotions”. We embrace this reality and when students feel safe, valued, and empowered, they thrive in school and in life.

Social Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Learning at WIS

Our Approach to SEL

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