Conceptualizing and Measuring Civic SEL

This paper discusses the early stages of development of a Civic SEL Framework (CSELF) for integrating social and emotion learning in civics, especially social studies, American government, and history classrooms. We begin to formalize the conceptualization of Civic SEL and propose an approach to measurement that more directly incorporates civics into SEL assessments. Civic SEL encompasses core CASEL SEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social and cultural awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making adapted specifically for the civics context at the K-12 and post-secondary levels. We proposed the CSELF which defines each of these competencies and designates domains that pertain to civic learning. We provide curricular and pedagogical examples of how civics and SEL can be integrated. Finally, we suggest the need for measures that better reflect students’ experience of SEL in the civics classroom.