OK schools won’t improve without teaching social skills
As young people increasingly navigate stress, anxiety and societal pressures, one critical component of education is being overlooked: social-emotional learning (SEL).
Before the 2000s, the skills now recognized as SEL were often referred to as “soft skills” — communication, empathy and self-regulation. These were seen as supplementary to academic subjects like math and science. However, research has shown that these abilities are not just “soft” skills, but essential to thriving academically and socially. In Oklahoma, where mental health challenges among youths are rising, integrating SEL into schools is not just timely — it’s essential.
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Social-emotional learning teaches students how to manage their emotions, set positive goals, show empathy, build relationships and make responsible decisions. These core skills improve students’ ability to cope with stress, build resilience and foster healthier relationships with peers and family. Before Ryan Walters became state schools superintendent, the Oklahoma State Department of Education already had begun working to integrate SEL programs into classrooms, recognizing its impact on student well-being and academic success.
Oklahoma ranks high in youth mental health challenges, with one in five children experiencing a mental health disorder, many of which go untreated due to limited mental health resources. The pandemic exacerbated these issues, leaving teachers and school staff feeling overwhelmed by students’ emotional struggles. Many report that students arrive at school with more emotional baggage than ever before, which impedes their learning and teachers’ ability to teach. SEL is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a “must-have” in today’s educational environment.
By providing students with SEL tools, we help them build resilience in the face of adversity. Whether managing stress during finals or coping with personal loss, SEL equips students to understand and express their emotions, enabling them to navigate the challenges of growing up in today’s complex world.
One significant benefit of SEL is its potential to foster stronger, more empathetic relationships among students. Oklahoma, like many states, struggles with bullying, with about 20% of students nationwide reporting being bullied. SEL can help reduce bullying by promoting empathy and communication skills. When students learn to understand their own emotions, they are better equipped to recognize and respond to the feelings of others. This helps create a more supportive, unifying school climate and reduces bullying behavior.
Students who learn SEL skills also are more likely to engage in their communities, participate in extracurricular activities, and maintain positive peer relationships. These foundational skills contribute to higher graduation rates and better long-term career success.
It’s not just about emotional well-being — SEL also improves academic performance. Studies consistently show that students who participate in SEL programs see academic gains. A meta-analysis by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) found an 11-percentile-point increase in academic achievement for students in SEL programs. When students feel emotionally supported and capable of managing their emotions, they can focus better, collaborate more effectively and succeed in the classroom.
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For Oklahoma, where schools face challenges such as underfunding and teacher shortages, incorporating SEL is a smart investment — up to $11 per student by some study accounts. By nurturing students’ emotional and social development alongside academic growth, we are fostering well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
In rural communities where mental health and behavior resources are limited, SEL also helps normalize conversations about mental well-being. It gives students the vocabulary to articulate their feelings, seek help when necessary, and advocate for their mental health needs. By teaching SEL from an early age, we can prevent mental health crises before they begin, helping students build resilience and confidence for the challenges ahead.
To build a state where all students can thrive, Oklahoma must prioritize mental and emotional health alongside academics. SEL is a powerful tool in achieving this goal. By investing in SEL programs in Oklahoma schools, we are investing in our children, communities, and future.
To policymakers, educators and parents: The time to act is now. Our students deserve more than just academic knowledge — they need the tools to navigate life’s complexities with strength, empathy and resilience. Let’s make SEL an integral part of Oklahoma’s educational system so every student can reach their full potential — inside the classroom and beyond.
Melanie Kelley is an advocate for education and mental health reform in Oklahoma.
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