Many people assume that social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction and positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) initiatives are primarily the domain of PK-8 classrooms, when in fact SEL and PBIS can be a vital part of the high school experience. By the time students enter their high school years, most have developed many of the behaviors and social skills necessary to be successful as adults. However, continued implementation of SEL and PBIS in high school can improve school culture and student success during the completion of the educational process.
The Benefits of SEL & PBIS in High School
Just like their younger counterparts, high schoolers can benefit from intentional instruction in SEL. The five CASEL competencies – self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills – are essential parts of successful adulthood. Individuals who have mastered these abilities are better prepared for higher education, job responsibilities, and societal participation. In addition, the establishment of positive behaviors through PBIS can help to enhance the gains students make through SEL instruction.
For teens preparing for life post-high school, learning to manage their academic and extra-curricular workloads can be exceptionally useful. Regardless of whether they’re headed to college or into the workforce, being able to prioritize and manage responsibilities is a critical skill. In addition, students can benefit from SEL instruction that enables them to manage the social dynamics of high school. Building relationships with others, solving conflicts, and managing emotions are all important skills for adulthood.
Pairing SEL instruction with PBIS provides students with the structure to learn and practice pro-social behaviors under the watchful guidance of educators. This pairing can produce positive school climate and positive student culture and contribute to a beneficial staff culture – all key elements of a successful educational experience.
Involving High Schoolers in SEL & PBIS
Implementing SEL and PBIS in high school takes a different touch than what is found in lower grades. High schoolers, in particular, are attuned to anything that feels contrived or childish. To reach them with SEL and PBIS, educators must take into consideration students’ burgeoning independence and work to involve them in the process. Promoting SEL and PBIS in high school can include:
- Seek input from students in creating behavior goals and SEL processes and include their input as you create and post a schoolwide matrix.
- Provide a dedicated time at the beginning of the day or the beginning of each class for students to evaluate their mental and emotional state and share it with a trusted educator or classmate.
- Encourage teachers to create and display clear behavioral objectives to focus on that align with the activities in their classes. Teachers can use these objectives as pre-corrects prior to the activity and use the same verbiage when correcting student behavior during class time.
- Encourage brain breaks within daily instruction to allow students to build their SEL skills.
- Teach and model self-regulation strategies for students. Allow them the time and space to utilize these techniques during class when needed but be sure to clearly communicate expectations around this.
- Incorporate movement into activities and lessons. High schoolers may seem adult-like, but they can still benefit from physical activity to soothe pent-up energy or anxiousness.
- Set aside time once or twice each marking period for individual student conferences. This creates an opportunity to provide students with targeted academic and behavioral feedback.
High School SEL & PBIS With Navigate360
Because they are on their way toward adulthood and everything that entails, it’s easy to assume that high school students don’t need further instruction in SEL or PBIS guidance. In fact, high school is in many ways the final opportunity for students to intentionally develop and practice these important skills. Once they graduate and head out into the world, intentional development of social-emotional skills and positive behaviors ends. Giving them a firm foundation in this area will help them to become successful.
Navigate360 helps districts and schools cultivate supportive school culture with powerful, innovative technology solutions. We believe that mental health support, social-emotional learning, and character building are integral components of a holistic approach to student success. Our layered, holistic approach includes a robust, scaffolded SEL curriculum designed to meet the needs of students from Pre-K all the way through high school.
Check our these high school lesson highlights:
In addition, we enable schools to digitally manage their PBIS initiatives with a powerful solution that encompasses every aspect of PBIS in action. Together, these solutions make it possible to implement SEL and PBIS in high school to help students reach their full potential.
We’d love to tell you all about Navigate360’s layered, holistic safety and well-being platform. Contact us to learn more!
