Political forces compel many US schools to rename SEL: Can a name change save it?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) in K-12 education faces growing political scrutiny in the US, prompting some districts to rebrand programs under alternative names like “life skills” or “character education.” While renaming eases local tensions and preserves instruction, it does not resolve underlying debates over ideology, trust, and funding. Despite controversy, most schools continue teaching SEL, recognizing its long-term value.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) in K-12 education faces growing political scrutiny in the US, prompting some districts to rebrand programs under alternative names like “life skills” or “character education.” While renaming eases local tensions and preserves instruction, it does not resolve underlying debates over ideology, trust, and funding. Despite controversy, most schools continue teaching SEL, recognizing its long-term value.
