According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional, these are guidelines for effective social and emotional learning programming:

1) Grounded in theory and research. It is based on sound theories of child development, incorporating approaches that demonstrate beneficial effects on children's attitudes and behavior through scientific research.

2) Teaches children to apply SEL skills and ethical values in daily life. Through systematic instruction and application of learning to everyday situations, it enhances children's social, emotional and ethical behavior. Children learn to recognize and manage their emotions., appreciate the perspective of others, establish positive goals, make responsible decisions, and hand interpersonal situations effectively. They also develop responsible and respectful attitudes and values about self, others, work, health, and citizenship.

3) Builds connection to school through caring, engaging classroom and school practices. It uses diverse teaching methods to engage students in creating a classroom atmosphere where caring, responsibility, and a commitment to learning thrive. It nurtures students' sense of emotional security and safety, and it strengthens relationships among students, teachers, other school personnel, and families.

4) Provides developmentally and culturally appropriate instruction. It offers developmentally appropriate classroom instruction, including clearly specified learning objectives, for each grade level from preschool through high school. It also emphasizes cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.

5) Helps schools coordinate and unify programs that are often fragmented. It offers schools a coherent unifying framework to promote the positive social, emotional and academic growth of all students. It coordinates school programs that address positive youth development, problem prevention, health, character, service-learning, and citizenship.

6) Enhance school performance by addressing the affective and social dimensions of academic learning. It teaches students social and emotional competencies that encourage classroom participation, positive interactions with teachers, and good study habits. It introduces engaging teaching and learning methods, such as problem-solving approaches and cooperative learning, that motivate students to learn and to succeed academically.

7) Involves families and communities as partners. It involves school staff, peers, parents, and community members in applying and modeling SEL-related skills and attitudes at school, at home, and in the community.

8) Establishes organizational supports and policies that foster success. It ensures high-quality program implementation by addressing factors that determine the long-term success or failure of school-based programs. These include leadership, active participation on program planning by everyone involved, adequate time and resources and alignment with school, district, and state policies.

9) Provide high-quality staff development and support. It offers well-planned professional development for all school personnel. This includes basic theoretical knowledge, modeling and practice of effective teaching methods, regular coaching, and constructive feedback from colleagues.

10) Incorporates continuing evaluation and improvement. It begins with an assessment of needs to establish a good fit between the school's concerns and SEL programs. It continues gathering data to assess progress, ensure accountability and shape program improvement.

Source: Safe and Sound: An Educational Leader's Guide to Evidence-Based Social and Emotional Learning Programs, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (Chicago, IL), 2003.