DODEA CONTROVERSY CONTINUES OVER SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING AND TRUMP’S ORDERS
With President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (EO) against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hitting all aspects of the federal government, schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) are scrambling to comply. Caught up in these changes, includes the idea of social-emotional learning (SEL). Despite proof that SEL helps students well beyond the classroom, some of its ties to controversial subjects is making to a no-go under Trump.
What Is Social-Emotional Learning?
Social-emotional learning helps students understand their emotions, overcome the challenges they might face due to their feelings, build strong relationships with others, and figure out how to make responsible choices in life.
Rather than being a standalone subject, SEL is woven into lessons across different subjects, helping students apply these skills meaningfully, in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
Teachers and staff at DoDEA integrate SEL into lesson plans, supporting students in becoming confident, resilient, and engaged individuals, ultimately, improving their mental health.
Social Emotional Learning Activities in Curriculums
Rather than making social and emotional learning a distinct class, students will find these teachings in various subjects.
For example, if a student takes English classes, SEL allows students to explore emotions and relationships through literature.
By analyzing the choices characters are making, students learn to empathize and writing can help them express themselves in a healthy manner.
Social studies use SEL so that students understand social dynamics by looking at historical events and diverse perspectives.
Debates and discussions encourage respectful communication, the opportunity to learn from multiple views, and responsible decision-making.
Health classes naturally incorporate SEL, teaching students techniques for stress management, goal setting, and how to address their mental health through self-management, mindfulness, and personal wellness strategies.
Additionally, art is another creative outlet for self-expression, allowing students to channel emotions into their work.
Even in math classes, perseverance and problem-solving skills produce resilience in children.
Furthermore, group projects help with communication and relationship skills, challenging students to learn skills that go well beyond the classroom.
The DoDEA integrates SEL into its curriculum to prepare students for academic and personal success. Students become more confident, empathetic, and prepared for the future by incorporating SEL into everyday learning.
SEL No Longer Permitted
President Trump’s administration believes teaching skills to children that help them understand how to regulate their emotions shouldn’t be a part of the classroom.
DoDEA schools are being forced to comply with a sweeping EO standing against DEI, which would mean SEL can no longer be taught in schools that fall under the authority of the military.
Teachers and staff members are concerned about these developments, understanding their obvious need in curriculums.
It’s worth noting that research has shown that social-emotional learning improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points, boosts the mental health of students, helps them socially, and improves their overall attitude about school.
Because of this, some staff members of DoDEA are looking into options to instill these important skills into their students while maintaining compliance with Trump’s orders.
The Battle for Social-Emotional Learning
Audio from a meeting between DoDEA Americas top officials leaked as educators work to provide their students with the education they deserve, despite pushback from the White House.
Among the ideas being discussed, officials debated rebranding SEL into “Resilience,” a lesson taught by the subject matter at hand and a theme well ingrained in the military community.
Despite this, critics point to controversies SEL might bring, including gender ideology and culturally responsive teaching, along with the burden teachers face using such methods.
Compliance is surely going to be met and no curriculum is ever perfect. However, the overall lessons found in social-emotional learning are important life skills that help children reason while regulating their own emotions in society.
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