Читать книгу Essentials of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) - Donna Lord Black - Страница 10

PREFACE

In the Essentials of Psychological Assessment Series, we have attempted to provide the reader with books that will deliver key practical information in the most efficient and accessible style. Many books in the series feature specific instruments in a variety of domains, such as cognition, personality, education, and neuropsychology. Books like this Essentials of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), focus on crucial topics for professionals who are involved with any aspect of assessment and intervention with school‐age children. For the experienced professional, books in the series offer a concise yet thorough review of a test instrument or a specific area of expertise, including numerous tips for best practices. Students can turn to series book for a clear and concise overview of the important assessment tools, and key topics, in which they must become proficient to practice skillfully, efficiently, and ethically in their chosen fields.

Wherever feasible, visual cues highlighting key points are utilized alongside systematic, step‐by‐step guidelines. Chapters are focused and succinct. Topics are organized for an easy understanding of the essential material related to a particular test or topic. Theory and research are continually woven into the fabric of each book, but always to enhance the practical application of the material, rather than to sidetrack or overwhelm readers. With this series, we aim to challenge and assist readers interested in psychological assessment to aspire to the highest level of competency by arming them with the tools they need for knowledgeable, informed practice. We have long been advocates of “intelligent” testing‐the notion that numbers are meaningless unless they are brought to life by the clinical acumen and expertise of examiners. Assessment must be used to make a difference in the child’s life or adult’s life, or why bother to test? All books in the series‐ whether devoted to specific tests or general topics‐ are consistent with this credo. We want this series to help our readers, novice, and veteran alike, to benefit from the intelligent assessment approaches of the authors of each book.

In Essentials of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), the author captures the essence of why SEL is not only important, but necessary in preparing students for a future that envisages far more than academic achievement. Donn Black‐ a national expert on SEL, a long‐time public servant, and a school practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience in the educational systems‐ offers a comprehensive approach to SEL that examines the logic for it in schools, the underpinnings of successful implementation (including the role of assessment and data), and the evidence that supports SEL as a positive and sustainable approach to educational reform.

This book is grounded by an exhaustive review of the research and science on SEL, children’s mental health, and the neuroscience of learning. It examines the far‐reaching implications of issues that have long plagued our educational systems, including the barriers to learning that have led not only to underachievement, but to gross inequities and injustices as well. The book covers these issues and more, and asserts that SEL can be the great equalizer in education. It offers an approach to SEL that can be implemented in phases that are practical, yet manageable, and are complemented by a complete set of tools and templates to aid in the process. At a time when the world is struggling to recover from the COVID‐19 pandemic, this book offers a timely examination of the important role SEL will play in schools. As education systems face the challenges of re‐engaging students and recovering the learning losses resulting from school closures, the need to integrate SEL with existing school structures has never been greater. With this book, the author provides schools with a realistic and thorough guide for implementing SEL in a way that is meaningful and sustainable.

Alan S. Kaufman, PhD, and

Nadeen L. Kaufman, EdD

Series Editors

Yale Child Study Center

Yale University School of Medicine