Gresham‑Barlow recommends Wayfinder for K‑8 social‑emotional learning; high schools to focus on adult capacity and content integration

District staff presented a multi‑year plan May 21 to implement Oregon’s Transformative Social Emotional Learning (TSEL) standards across K‑12, recommending Wayfinder for elementary and middle school classrooms and a different approach for high school.

Tracy (district presenter) said the district piloted multiple curricula across grade levels this year and gathered teacher and student feedback. The adoption committee found Wayfinder accessible, adaptable and available in multiple languages; pilot teachers reported lessons that engaged students and provided practical practice opportunities. Student feedback cited more opportunities to name feelings, discuss community and practice skills.

For high school, staff recommended prioritizing professional development and curricular integration rather than adopting a stand‑alone high‑school curriculum. The district plans to leverage the regional education service district (MESD/NESD) for in‑district professional development, coaching and examples of how TSEL standards can be taught inside content areas such as math or social studies. Staff said high school advisory periods are limited and that building teacher capacity and connecting SEL to existing content would be more effective.

The district will continue piloting materials, negotiate training and platform costs with Wayfinder, and return to the board with an action item at the June 4 meeting. Staff emphasized equity, culturally responsive materials and student voice as guiding principles in curriculum selection and implementation.

Implementation will include in‑person training and online modules with an initial rollout planned for fall 2025.