Embedding SEL Competencies into Math Instruction

First 10 Days Off to A Strong Start: Embedding SEL Competencies into Math Instruction

**This series is intended for K-8 Math Instructors

Decades of research have made it clear that social and emotional habits and skills (e.g., self-awareness, self-regulation, communication, empathy) are related to learning math and life success. The AERO Standards for Mathematical Practice specify that students solve real-world and mathematical problems by working effectively with peers; formulating, communicating and critiquing arguments; and persevering through difficulty. As students internalize these mathematical practices, they engage in intra- and interpersonal social and emotional skills, the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies.

Session 1 will discuss the strong connections among the AERO Standards for Mathematical Practice and key social and emotional learning competencies and how purposeful practice can integrate these competencies into instruction and assessment.

Session 2 will focus on strategies for embedding SEL competencies into math routines and instruction. Relevant examples and resources for creating a positive math culture in the first few days of school will be shared.

BIOGRAPHY

Erma Anderson is a former high school physics and mathematics teacher and Albert Einstein Distinguished Fellow in the United States Senate. She was a Senior Program Officer with the National Research Council assisting in the development of the National Science Education Standards and a Christa McAuliffe Fellow with the National Foundation for the Improvement of Education. She has worked with the National Science Teachers Association on several projects including, the Mentoring Initiative e-Mentoring for Student Success, development of sciLINKS and Project Manager of Scope, Sequence and Coordination of Secondary School Science. She was Associate Project Director for the Council for Basic Education’s Schools Around the World project, developing and implementing the Evidence to Excellence protocol, professional development that used student work from participating countries to enhance the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.

She has considerable experience developing and facilitating workshops, on site and online with multiple national and international entities. Currently, she is a Mathematics consultant working with international schools on implementing the AERO Mathematics Standards. In addition, she facilitates the Math Specialist in International Schools (MSIS) and Math Fellows in International Schools (MFIS) initiative. In the past 14 years, she has facilitated conversations around preK to 12 math and science curriculum, instruction and assessment in over 130 international schools and facilitated hundreds of parent presentations on the teaching and learning of mathematics.