Social-emotional learning (SEL) “is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”1
Why is SEL important for GCSAPP?
Research shows that youth who possess strong social-emotional skills are less likely to engage in negative risky behaviors such as substance use, violence, and unprotected sex. Additionally, social-emotionally strong youth manage stress, and therefore depression, productively.
How Does GCSAPP Implement SEL?
GCSAPP collaborates with the Gunnison Watershed School District in a number of ways to implement SEL. GCSAPP has educated students in the traditional classroom setting with full curriculums as well as individual lessons. Each of the secondary schools in the Gunnison Valley have utilized GCSAPP for their specific needs. For example, CBCS has invited GCSAPP to speak to high school students on a number of topics for pre-prom, giving our students knowledge so that they can make healthy decisions on a night traditionally viewed as one for high risk choices.
We deeply value the collaboration and relationship with the school district. It truly takes a community to build healthy, resilient youth.