The Regional Office of Education has prioritized school culture and climate and the Social Emotional Learning of our students and staff for many years. Through partnerships with our schools, we work to establish caring, inclusive, and equitable learning environments and experiences for our students built on trusting and collaborative relationships along with solid curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices.
A positive school culture and climate includes an emphasis on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) throughout the school and school day. We define SEL as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is 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 (CASEL). According to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), quality SEL instruction—in conjunction with a safe, caring, and participatory school and responsive school climate—can result in positive outcomes such as the promotion of mental wellness, reduction in student absenteeism and suspensions; and improved academic outcomes.
Culture and climate also encompasses School Safety, Equity, Truancy, and Community and Family Engagement so please visit these sections of the website for more resources.
