District SEL survey: students’ scores near state mean; schools to target decision-making and relationships

District staff presented results of the CELS social-emotional learning survey on Feb. 9, reporting participation from roughly 830 students across grades 3–12 and district averages close to the state mean (530). Presenters told the committee they will develop building-level action plans focused on responsible decision-making and relationship skills.

The presentation—led by Jill and Mary Palomino, the district’s lead coaches—summarized participation, framework and next steps. Staff said the survey was implemented under a grant to integrate SEL into academic learning and that results will be used to align supports across MTSS tiers. The district highlighted strengths (many students in the developed or highly developed ranges) while identifying areas for focused improvement at specific schools.

At the high school and middle school the teams plan to emphasize responsible decision-making and relationship-building; elementary and early-learning strategies will concentrate on self-awareness and foundational social skills. The district will retake the survey in March with the same cohort to track progress and refine interventions.

Presenters emphasized that SEL data complements achievement measures and supports targeted interventions for students who appear to need tiered supports. Action steps discussed include expanding classroom-based curriculum (Choose Love, Second Step), peer mediation programs, mentoring and teacher toolboxes to generalize SEL strategies into daily instruction.

The committee received the report for planning and asked that administrators return with specific action-plan timelines and metrics after the March survey re-run.