In the Essentials of Psychological Assessment Series, we have attempted to provide the reader with books that will deliver key practical information in the most efficient and accessible style. Many books in the series feature specific instruments in a variety of domains, such as cognition, personality, education, and neuropsychology. Books like this Essentials of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), focus on crucial topics for professionals who are involved with any aspect of assessment and intervention with school‐age children. For the experienced professional, books in the series offer a concise yet thorough review of a test instrument or a specific area of expertise, including numerous tips for best practices. Students can turn to series book for a clear and concise overview of the important assessment tools, and key topics, in which they must become proficient to practice skillfully, efficiently, and ethically in their chosen fields.
Wherever feasible, visual cues highlighting key points are utilized alongside systematic, step‐by‐step guidelines. Chapters are focused and succinct. Topics are organized for an easy understanding of the essential material related to a particular test or topic. Theory and research are continually woven into the fabric of each book, but always to enhance the practical application of the material, rather than to sidetrack or overwhelm readers. With this series, we aim to challenge and assist readers interested in psychological assessment to aspire to the highest level of competency by arming them with the tools they need for knowledgeable, informed practice. We have long been advocates of “intelligent” testing‐the notion that numbers are meaningless unless they are brought to life by the clinical acumen and expertise of examiners. Assessment must be used to make a difference in the child’s life or adult’s life, or why bother to test? All books in the series‐ whether devoted to specific tests or general topics‐ are consistent with this credo. We want this series to help our readers, novice, and veteran alike, to benefit from the intelligent assessment approaches of the authors of each book.
In Essentials of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), the author captures the essence of why SEL is not only important, but necessary in preparing students for a future that envisages far more than academic achievement. Donn Black‐ a national expert on SEL, a long‐time public servant, and a school practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience in the educational systems‐ offers a comprehensive approach to SEL that examines the logic for it in schools, the underpinnings of successful implementation (including the role of assessment and data), and the evidence that supports SEL as a positive and sustainable approach to educational reform.
This book is grounded by an exhaustive review of the research and science on SEL, children’s mental health, and the neuroscience of learning. It examines the far‐reaching implications of issues that have long plagued our educational systems, including the barriers to learning that have led not only to underachievement, but to gross inequities and injustices as well. The book covers these issues and more, and asserts that SEL can be the great equalizer in education. It offers an approach to SEL that can be implemented in phases that are practical, yet manageable, and are complemented by a complete set of tools and templates to aid in the process. At a time when the world is struggling to recover from the COVID‐19 pandemic, this book offers a timely examination of the important role SEL will play in schools. As education systems face the challenges of re‐engaging students and recovering the learning losses resulting from school closures, the need to integrate SEL with existing school structures has never been greater. With this book, the author provides schools with a realistic and thorough guide for implementing SEL in a way that is meaningful and sustainable.
Alan S. Kaufman, PhD, and
Nadeen L. Kaufman, EdD
Series Editors
Yale Child Study Center
Yale University School of Medicine
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Writing this book was the most exciting, painstaking, glorious, nerve‐wracking, challenging thing I’ve ever experienced. Without the patience, encouragement, and support of my family, friends, and colleagues, I’m quite sure the emotions would have gotten the best of me. Before I express my heartfelt gratitude to those who helped make this book possible, I’d like to acknowledge my granddaughters, Kayla and Kelsi. You are my hope and my inspiration. You are the reason for this book, so I dedicate it to you.
I begin by thanking my wonderful husband, Greg. For more than 48 years, you have cheered me on and made me feel there was nothing I could not do. We often have jokingly said that the only reason we are still married is because neither of us wanted a divorce on the same day. Well, this book tested that theory and proved it wrong! Neither of us could have imagined how challenging the book would be while living through a pandemic and enduring two surgeries in 10 months. Despite this, you were there to support and encourage me. I am blessed to have you by my side, and I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you, and look forward to many more years together.
I also could not have done this without the patience and understanding of my loving family. To my son Jason and his fiancée Melinda, you stepped up when your dad and I were not able. You were there after my surgeries to lend a hand. You ran errands, brought us food, and helped with the granddaughters. For all this, I am forever grateful. To my daughter Allison and my son‐in‐law Chris, you were so patient with me during a time when I knew you desperately needed relief. You were parents, teachers, and playmates to your children, while also juggling the demands of working full‐time from home. I cannot imagine how hard this has been for you, and I owe you some relief time. When it is safe, there will be sleepovers and outings with the girls once again, I promise. To my sister Yolanda and my brother‐in‐law Darryl, I can’t thank you enough for helping keep the family connected. You were always there for the virtual happy hours and the family game nights because you knew how much they sustained us through these challenging times. Your being there supported me in ways you could not have known. To my nephew Aaron and his fiancée Lyndsey, your interest in my passion for SEL is inspiring and gives me hope for the coming generation. I thoroughly enjoyed our virtual discussions, and I thank you immensely for your support. To my nephew Kyle, just seeing you with your new fiancée during our virtual gatherings reminded me of how important it is to have hope and why this book is so necessary.
This book never would have been possible without the support of friends and colleagues. To my dearest friend and mentor Gail Cheramie, no words can express how much your support has meant to me. You have been there for almost 30 years, first as my professor and now as my dearest friend. If a teacher’s success is measured by the success of her student, then I hope I have honored you well. There would not have been successes without you. You have taught me that anything is possible if you believe it is possible. Thank you for everything you do for me, and by the way, thank you also for helping review parts of the book. You are a true friend! I also want to thank my dear friend Ginger Gates for her help in reviewing the work. You inspire me every day with your humor and your positive nature, and I am always striving to become a better trainer because of you. You are the best. To Debbie Blackmon, thank you for sharing your knowledge of equine‐assisted learning and your applications of SEL to this specialized area. You are an incredible therapist and educator, and I am lucky to have you as a colleague and a friend. To my partner in crime, Angela Downes, I thank you for keeping me grounded and helping me see that the dirt at the end of the road is worth more than a pot of gold. Your co‐counsel, Ashton, brought me a breath of fresh air when I needed it the most. To my physical therapist, Monica, and her assistants, Rishi and Courtney, not only did you get me through a tough recovery, you also lifted my spirits and kept me going. Through your relationship‐centered approach to therapy and your caring, nurturing environment, you model the principles of SEL every day in the work you do with your patients.
I would be remiss if I did
