Board approves Social Express social-skills program amid mixed feelings about SEL
Loading...
Summary
The board approved a quote for the Social Express social-skills and teen career-path program for five teachers and up to 100 students at $1,999. Board members acknowledged differing views on social-emotional learning (SEL) but supported the program’s interactive, scenario-based approach for special education and transition planning.
The Southern York County School District Board of Education on Sept. 17 approved a $1,999 purchase of the Social Express program from Brighton Learning for use by five teachers and up to 100 students. The program includes a teen career-path module intended to help students develop career artifacts and transition skills required by the district’s chapter requirements.
Why it matters: The program was presented as a research-based set of interactive lessons designed to teach social skills, scenario responses and career exploration. Board discussion acknowledged the contentious nature of social-emotional learning (SEL) in some community segments but emphasized the program’s use for special-education and life-skills students.
Dr. Reppert described Social Express as a resource for emotional-support, life-skills and learning-support students, with lessons and “webisodes” that let students practice responses and see outcomes of different behavioral choices. One board member said she initially worried about SEL but after reviewing the materials she “absolutely adore[d]” the program and highlighted realistic scenarios that show results of both appropriate and inappropriate responses.
The motion carried on a voice vote; no nays or abstentions were recorded. Administration said the program will help students meet career and transition goals and that its teen career-path component aligns with graduation artifact requirements.
Next steps: Program access and teacher training will be coordinated through special education and career-transition staff.
