Chicago Students' Social Emotional Learning: Suggested Modifications for PATHS Curriculum

Social emotional learning (SEL) has become a dilemma for Chicago Schools. SEL programs have been used ineffectively in Chicago schools as the programs do not meet the unique needs of the school or its students. A popular SEL program used throughout Chicago, Pathways to Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS), was not originally intended for use with a general population of urban school students. A manual for how to tailor PATHS to the needs of Chicago students is presented.;Limitations and possible barriers to implementation are discussed, such as staff burnout and administrative budgeting constraints. It is suggested that further research explore the issue of teachers' education in social emotional learning and varying levels of aptitude at a college level.;The manual outlines strategies for school staff to implement and tailor the PATHS program to each individual school's needs. Steps to effective school-wide integration, as well as how to utilize a SEL program to further the school's mission or goals, are presented. A road map to successful implementation by providing adequate training to all staff members is provided. The importance of generalization, parent and community involvement, as well as guidelines for effective collaboration and communication are suggested.