SEL frameworks as organizing tools distinct from the competencies they structure¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (1 for, 2 mixed) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The brief distinguishes frameworks from competencies: competencies are the knowledge, attitudes, and skills people need to be socially and emotionally competent, while a framework organizes and names those competencies, their relationships, and the learning process and contexts. As the brief puts it, "a framework is a tool that helps to organize ideas in order to provide a foundation for thinking, communicating, and acting." Frameworks can have different numbers and levels of competencies; this brief addresses frameworks rather than each specific competency.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Frameworks organize and name competencies, the relationships between them, and aspects of the learning process and contexts

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• preschool to high school students

Target Learning Objectives¶

• social and emotional competencies including knowledge, attitudes, and skills

Claims¶

• Balanced SEL frameworks cover intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cognitive competencies and mix skills, knowledge, and attitudes [+W]
• Fewer than 18% of 136 examined SEL frameworks explicitly reference culture and diversity [~W]
• Only 6% of 136 examined SEL frameworks explicitly deal with development [~W]

Related Theories¶

• Ten-criteria taxonomy for evaluating SEL frameworks: five conceptual-clarity and five implementation-support criteria
• State-trait composition framework for social-emotional learning constructs

Examples¶

• Use the ten criteria in three ways: describe needs, evaluate candidate frameworks, and review frequently used frameworks systematically

Key Sources¶

• Blyth, D.A.; Borowski, T.; Farrington, C.A.; Kyllonen, P.; Weissberg, R.P. (2019). Ten Criteria for Describing and Selecting SEL Frameworks. Establishing Practical Social-Emotional Competence Assessments Work Group, Frameworks Briefs introductory series 3 of 3. https://consortium.uchicago.edu/publications/ten-criteria-for-describing-and-selecting-SEL-frameworks