DECEMBER 2020 | Vol. 1

IN TOUCH WITH SEL A NEWSLETTER OF THE ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL SERVICES DIVISION | LEARNING SUPPORTS UNIT 

UPDATES CASEL RELEASES UPDATED INFOGRAPHIC AND DEFINITION OF SEL After almost 26 years, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has updated its SEL framework and definition. Download it here. The Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission released a report this fall outlining three main recommendations for making schools centers of wellness and healing, including establishing collaborative leadership among agencies, multi-year investment to create sustainable services, and a call for technical assistance to be provided to schools. Read the report in the Resources below.

Orange County Educators are dedicated to the Whole Child. To support this effort, we will periodically review updates from the field, highlight bright spots of practice, and share connections and resources for social-emotional learning and mental health.  “Research shows SEL is associated with a positive impact on important mental health variables that increase children’s attachment to school and motivation to learn and reduce risky behaviors. Positive social skills are protective factors for mental health.” - Committee for Children SEE MORE RESOURCES BELOW

DID YOU KNOW? 3 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SEL Dr. Lorea Martinez, PhD describes some common misconceptions about SEL and signs to look for which may indicate if your school or district has a limited understanding of SEL and effective implementation. Read this brief article here.

TIPS HELPING STUDENTS' ANXIETY WITH GRATITUDE Students and educators have started a new school year during a pandemic, an awakening to systemic racism, and a divisive political climate. Youth and adult mental health is at risk, and schools are searching for ways to support young people’s well-being in addition to their academic learning. One study has found that gratitude may be a powerful way to boost high schoolers' well-being. Read about the study and other findings on gratitude here.  THE STRENGTH TO ASK FOR HELP This school year has brought new and different experiences and challenges to educators. With that, you may have found yourself experiencing a variety of emotions, including heightened levels of stress and anxiety. There are many ways to address stress, one of which is asking for help. We may not be inclined to reach out, but be reassured that asking for help is a great tool for you and others. It takes strength to ask and helps model for colleagues and students that we all need the support and relationships of others. Read more about helping caregivers during COVID.

SPOTLIGHT

SEL AND THE ARTS  INTRODUCING ORANGE COUNTY'S VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS COORDINATOR, SCOTT FITZPATRICK In an effort to continue/strengthen a culture that supports and encourages educators, celebrates your work, and builds partnerships and professional relationships, Mr. Fitzpatrick is exploring the connections between SEL and the Visual and Performing Arts. To find out more, follow on Facebook at OCArts4All or on Twitter @Arts4Oc. Also, upcoming events around Arts and SEL at https://ocde.us/professionallearning/Pages/default.aspx

STUDENT ADVOCATES FOR MENTAL HEALTH

The Orange County Department of Education is offering exciting youth-led opportunities for middle and high school student leadership groups and clubs through their new Student Advocates for Mental Health (SAMH) program. The goals of the SAMH program are to engage, train, and support student leadership groups in youth-led efforts to increase mental health awareness, promote suicide prevention, reduce stigma related to mental illness, and increase access to support services on school campuses and in the community.

The opportunities include: ·    Peer-influencer Workshops ·    Peer-led Campaigns ·    Directing Change Projects ·    Mental Health Awareness Activities For more information regarding the SAMH program, please visit the Student Advocates for Mental Health website at OCDE.us/SAMH or contact Stephanie Loscko at SLoscko@ocde.us or 714-966-4319. All opportunities are available at no cost to Orange County public, private, and charter schools.

RESOURCES Every Young Heart and Mind: Schools as Centers of Wellness from the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Committee Fostering the Whole Child: A Guide to School-Based Mental Health Professionals Restructuring California Schools to Address Barriers to Learning and Teaching in the COVID-19 Context and Beyond 

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FEEDBACK  Questions or topics you would like to see in the next newsletter? Let us know here.