The only organization dedicated solely to helping state boards advance equity and excellence in public education.


To help state boards of education and other policymakers learn how to communicate most effectively on policies related to SEL, NASBE commissioned Edge Research to conduct a survey of community influ­encers in Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, and Washington to gauge their understanding of SEL and their support for embedding SEL in K-12 instruction. These five states were part of a state network convened by NASBE in 2018 to examine the successes and challenges of implementing SEL through state education systems and develop state policies that fit local contexts.

According to new survey research from NASBE, influential stakeholders view social and emotional learning (SEL) favorably and are primed for conversations with state boards of education working to advance SEL policies. While most community influencers agree that SEL can produce many benefits, they also expressed reservations around standards, teacher support, and labeling of students, the survey finds.

Read key insights from the survey in “Gauging Support for Social and Emotional Skill Building in School.” Find the full survey results here. Watch our webinar about the findings.


Gauging Support for Social and Emotional Skill Building in School

Survey Findings: How to Talk about Social and Emotional Learning with Community Influencers



Related Content



Featured Items

Complexity of thought processes and the human mind. Thoughts, creativity, emotions, mental health, vibrant art collage. Psychology, self-analysis, mental disorders and wellbeing, cognitive processes i

States Take Next Steps on Governing AI Use in Schools

In 2026, state boards of education are likely to move beyond issuing AI guidance and toward monitoring implementation and possibly developing policies.
Happy African American teacher and elementary student talking while walking through hallway. i

States Start Up Registered Principal Apprenticeships

A handful of states have been launching federally registered apprenticeships to better prepare new principals, remove barriers to entering the profession, and combat turnover.
A young university student female is practicing her welding skills i

Demonstrating Skills of Value

State education leaders are focused on ensuring students graduate ready for life after high school—but how do students know they’re building valuable, transferable skills, and how will employers and colleges recognize them?

Upcoming Events

From the States