Master of Arts in
Social Emotional Learning

Analyze social-emotional learning (SEL) in education communities through the lens of SEL frameworks, competencies, cultural responsiveness and developmental indicators. Reflect on personal development of social-emotional competencies. Review SEL literature to develop a research focus and questions pertaining to social-emotional learning and culturally responsive classrooms.

Prerequisite: SEL 600

An investigation into how personal culture, implicit bias, stereotypes, assumptions, values, and beliefs influence personal identity and impacts our ability to engage in dynamics of difference. Students will then self-assess and reflect upon personal cultural proficiency. That self-reflection will then intersect with the SEL tenets that foster an inclusive learning environment to construct a personal cultural growth plan.

Prerequisite: SEL 605

How learners learn and instructors teach can be explained by brain research and by neuroscience. Social and emotional learning competencies are greatly impacted by cognition. The intersections between cognition, emotion, equity, and culture impact more than learning and can affect human creativity, innovation and critical thinking. Learners will explore how digital design and digital tools influence knowledge acquisition in a variety of learning environments.

Prerequisite: SEL 610

This course will examine and begin to formulate a four stage Action Research Plan that addresses Social Emotional Learning: 1) Clarifying vision and targets, 2) Articulating theory, 3) Implementing action and collecting data, 4) Reflecting on data and planning informed action.

Prerequisite: SEL 615

An exploration of various SEL frameworks that will provide evidence and structures for effective learning environments. Student learning is enhanced when educators are able to weave together academics with social emotional learning practices and pedagogies.

Prerequisite: SEL 620

Identification of trauma-informed strategies for developmentally diverse classrooms and implementation of prevention strategies and protective factors are explored. Addresses assimilation of knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices and examination of the teaching of tolerance.

Prerequisite: SEL 625

Examines equity-based pedagogical approaches to integrate SEL strategies and skills into academic content areas at different developmental levels. Learn how to apply evidence-based inclusive practices and examine the impact on students’ behavior and achievement outcomes. Determine how educational success can be achieved with curriculum integration strategies to support SEL and academic achievement.

Prerequisite: SEL 630

Leadership skills to promote SEL in educational settings. Evidence-based practices to create a shared vision and cultivate a positive school climate to empower students and school leaders will be examined. Learners will adopt SEL leadership skills to transform school and district culture and increase student achievement by adapting or developing policy and procedures.

Prerequisite: SEL 635

Explore assessment practices that support social and emotional learning in educational settings. Practices include: Formative Assessment Strategies, Universal Design for Learning, Authentic Assessment, Personalized Learning, portfolio and performance-based assessment. Examine assessment of SEL programs and tools that measure the effect of SEL on individual behavior, overall school climate, and school-wide implementation.

Prerequisite: SEL 600 SEL 605, SEL 610, SEL 615, SEL 620, SEL 625, SEL 630, SEL 635, & SEL 640

As the capstone course for the MA in SEL degree, learners will construct an action research project that includes the tenets of social and emotional learning. Project findings will provide evidence from scholarly literature and practitioner evidence collected throughout the program.