Social-Emotional Learning

ALX Beyond aims to ensure that every young person is recognized, celebrated, and embraced as a complete individual. To honor the diverse experiences of youth, there is a crucial focus on developing social and emotional skills. The Collaborative for Academic, Social & Emotional Learning (CASEL) has defined social and emotional learning (SEL) as “the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”

    Expanded learning or out-of-school time (OST) presents a prime opportunity to enhance SEL. In the absence of academic curriculum, expanded learning allows for greater flexibility in how adults can support the development of SEL skills in young people. ALX Beyond provides ongoing professional learning opportunities for providers to enhance their understanding and application of SEL.

    RULER in Out-of-School Time (OST)

    RULER in OST is an approach to social and emotional learning that is adapted from The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence’s evidence-based approach known as RULER. The ALX Beyond SEL Work Group recommends this free resource and the staff/youth activities to expanded learning providers as an introduction to SEL, which complements the classroom-based framework implemented by Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS).

    Current Professional Learning Opportunities for City of Alexandria Providers

    Alexandria Mentoring Partnership: Mentor University

    City of Alexandria Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) Youth Development Trainings

    Other Resources

    Afterschool Alliance SEL Fact Sheet

    Afterschool Alliance Trauma-Informed Communities

    CASEL OST Tools

    Center for Disease Control: Adverse Childhood Experiences

    Virginia Partnership for Out-of-School Time (VPOST) Youth Development & SEL

      For more information on ALX Beyond’s SEL initiative, please contact ALX Beyond Program Quality Manager, Erica Mack (erica@alxbeyond.org).