Committee for Children Blog

social emotional learning, responsive classroom, implementation, CARES, child protection

Implementing Responsive Classroom and Second Step in an Elementary School

This Virginia school district implements and integrates these programs to help students develop important social-emotional skills.

Responsive Classroom (RC) and Second Step are both evidence-based programs that focus on the strong relationship between academic success and social-emotional learning (SEL). Together, they provide tools for a safe and welcoming learning community, and for important academic, social, and emotional skills. Read More


SEL pyramid, social-emotional development

Together, We Create a Better Tomorrow with Social-Emotional Development

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is officially on the rise, with growing national awareness and multiple school, behavior, and educational benefits being realized. And we’re keeping up by evolving our flagship Second Step curriculum, harnessing new research, new input from educators who understand the importance of educating the whole child, and new technology to benefit you and the students you serve. Read More


SEL Passport Challenge

Students work hard to master their social-emotional skills. Help them stay in practice when they’re outside the classroom with this easy-to-make SEL Passport. Parents and teachers can help kids apply their skills with this handy reminder of how to use kind, respectful, prosocial behavior in any situation, in or out of school.Read More


social emotional learning, workforce readiness, employability skills, SEL, jobs

How SEL Helps Children Succeed in School, the Workplace, and Life

In our new ebook, we’ve gathered varied and experienced perspectives from thought leaders in education, business, and the military on both the early and long-term benefits of social-emotional learning, why social-emotional skills are critical for today’s workforce, and why they will be even more necessary in the future.
Read More


CASEL, social emotional learning, SEL, bullying prevention, child safety, policy and advocacy

Joan Cole Duffell Recognized with Prestigious CASEL Award

The prestigious Mary Utne O’Brien Award is presented annually by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) — and this year, we are so proud to announce that our own Executive Director, Joan Cole Duffell is its recipient. Read More