Stretching towards social justice: A case study of transformative social and emotional learning (SEL)

Transformative social and emotional learning (SEL) is an approach that prioritizes an explicit focus on equity and social justice. In this case study, we explored: how do teachers modify their SEL teaching practices and curricula to incorporate a transformative SEL focus on community issues and social justice? Through analyses of qualitative data from student and teacher interviews and classroom observations as well as quantitative data from surveys administered to students and teachers, we illustrate how teachers at one middle school in Chicago stretched from conventional notions of SEL to engage social justice issues more proactively in their SEL implementation in four key ways: Connecting through Language, Connecting to Students’ Social Identities, Addressing Social Issues, and Encouraging Civic Engagement and Activism. We conclude with support for teachers interested in adapting these practices in their classrooms.