MHS commits to SEL

Madison High School has been integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) into our building in a variety of different ways. By implementing new social emotional services, we have found we can better support our students and create a positive social and emotional environment for them to thrive in. These skills are part of Madison preparing our graduates for the workforce and are included in our Future-Ready Graduate standards, which were added to the graduation requirements during the 2019-2020 school year. 

According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. Research studies have demonstrated benefits of SEL, including: 

• Improvement in students’ social and emotional skills, attitudes, relationships, academic performance, and perceptions of classroom and school climate

• Decline in students’ anxiety, behavior problems, and substance use

• Long-term improvements in students’ skills, attitudes, prosocial behavior, and academic performance

Madison High School has implemented these things in order to promote and support a positive social emotional environment: 

• New English Language Arts and SEL lessons 

• Group therapy sessions 

• 2 guidance counselors 

• 2 psychologists 

• 2 Student Resource Officers 

• Social worker from Life Span & licensed therapist from Catalyst 

• Connect Classrooms 

• Career Planning and Pathway Sessions

• 45 school sponsored Athletics, Clubs, and Activities for students  

• Spirit week activities

So far, 20% of the high school staff have incorporated social emotional support methods as part of their individual annual goal for their students. 

“We’re focused on allowing students to feel comfortable in the classroom and secure in themselves,” says Ashley Saylor, one of the high school guidance counselors.