The 2022 academic year was expected to be a year of healing and rebounding. From the COVID-19 pandemic to virtual learning and social unrest, school districts around the nation have found themselves navigating difficult waters as they strive to provide students with the resources they need in order to thrive — both today and for years to come. Today, more than ever, we’re realizing that social-emotional learning will be critical to achieving that.
Between 2018 and 2021, leaders at 13 school districts commissioned Hanover research to administer an SEL survey developed to help districts understand their communities’ perceptions of SEL competency—from parents and students to faculty, staff, and district leadership. Based on their responses (more than 15,000 in total), this report examines the current state of SEL across K–12 education.