Which social emotional learning topics took center stage in 2024?
As we say goodbye to 2024, we’re reflecting on the challenges and opportunities shaping our field. From the mental health crisis impacting youth and adults to the growing demand for inclusive, social-emotional learning (SEL) programs, it’s clear that fostering well-being has never been more important.
Let’s dive into these topics and explore how we can navigate them together in the year ahead!
1. Strengthening Youth Mental Health
The post-pandemic mental health crisis affecting kids around the world continues to be a cause for concern, especially for adolescents. In 2024, reports from the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. and the World Health Organization highlight the urgent need to increase access to quality mental health support for children and teens in schools and beyond. In turn, young people are taking to social media to explore emotional support (a trending term!) finding new ways to connect and nourish their well-being.
At The Zones of Regulation, we aim to create a common language around emotional regulation that can be used not just in schools, but also in community programs, therapy, and at home. This “wrap-around” approach helps take the stigma out of navigating strong feelings and makes it easier for kids to reach out to access help and emotional support when they need it.
2. Universal Design for Learning: Accessibility and Inclusion
This year, inclusion in education has taken center stage, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is leading the charge. The U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 National Education Technology Plan highlighted UDL as a cornerstone for fostering engagement and accessibility in education. UDL provides a framework to create accessible and equitable learning opportunities for all. According to the principles of UDL, designing curriculum that meets diverse learner needs isn’t just possible—it’s essential for equitable learning.
We worked closely with a leading educational organization, CAST, to integrate the UDL guidelines into our new Digital Curriculum. By prioritizing flexible, accessible learning experiences, we aim to support diverse learners with the opportunity to learn at their full potential.
3. The Rise of Schoolwide SEL Implementation
In today’s post-pandemic world, social-emotional learning (SEL) is more important than ever.
A recent study by CASEL and RAND found that 83% of U.S. schools now use an SEL program—a huge step toward creating proactive, schoolwide systems. Additionally, 49 states have adopted policies that support SEL, and in states with stronger policies, principals report fewer barriers to implementation.
The growing momentum toward Tier 1 SEL is transforming schools and communities, driven by dedicated SEL and mental health champions (like you!) who are leading the way in building sustainable, schoolwide implementation. Advocacy plays a key role in this movement, and you can champion SEL by engaging with policymakers to promote well-being through standards, professional learning, and resources. Here’s one way to get started.
4. Funding for Social-Emotional Learning in the U.S.
During the pandemic, the U.S. federal government provided $122 billion to K-12 schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund under
the American Rescue Plan. With the ESSER funding coming to an end in 2024, many worry the “ESSER cliff” will greatly impact the future of social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools. Although research continues to show the transformative impact of SEL on learner outcomes, including the economic return on investment (an average of $11 for every $1 spent), funding for social-emotional learning remains limited.
The Zones of Regulation wants to help schools and districts find new ways to fund SEL. Did you know that ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) funding can be used for SEL programming? We’ve been hard at work c
ompiling resources to help our community tap into ESSA funds, and have updated our Research page with more ideas and funding opportunities. Stay tuned for more funding information in 2025!
5. Parent, Caregiver and Educator Well-being
Adult mental health has been a key conversation this year, with new data suggesting that parent mental health and educator well-being are in critical condition. According to an advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General’s office, a staggering 48% of parents feel their stress is completely overwhelming most days, while research by the National Bureau of Economic Research reports educator well-being is at a historic all-time low.
What does this mean for The Zones Community? One of our priorities is to support adult well-being and social-emotional skill-building, knowing how crucial it is to attend to our own regulation before we can support others. Remember, building your own Zones Toolbox is just as important as helping others build theirs.
A Reflection from The Zones Team
Here at The Zones of Regulation, 2024 has been a monumental year. After years of research and development, we were THRILLED to release The Zones of Regulation Digital Curriculum, accompanying poster set, and Getting Into The Zones of Regulation framework guide! We are so grateful for the learners, educators, therapists, and researchers whose support and feedback has been instrumental in helping us step into this new era of The Zones.
We’re excited to keep growing and making an impact together in 2025!
