The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and Committee for Children strongly applaud the passage of the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act which provides increased funding for a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Initiative to support SEL and “whole child” approaches to education.
This critical funding for SEL is part of a $2 billion increase over the fiscal year 2021 enacted level for students’ learning and development in K-12 education, including students with disabilities. Related to SEL, the bill provides:
- $82 million for evidence-based, field-initiated innovations that address student social, emotional, and cognitive needs (increase of $15 million) within the Education Innovation and Research program;
- $85 million for the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program with a priority for teacher professional development and pathways into teaching that provide a strong foundation in implementing SEL and “whole child” strategies (increase of $5 million);
- $111 million within School Safety National Activities for Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grants and School-Based Mental Health Services Grants, to help LEAs directly increase the number of mental health and child development experts in schools (increase of $95 million); and
- $75 million for Full-Service Community schools to provide comprehensive services and expand evidence-based models that meet the holistic needs of children, families, and communities (increase of $45 million).
“Policymakers join in the growing support from educators, parents, students, and employers in advancing students’ overall well-being and success – academically, socially, and emotionally,” said Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel, President and CEO of CASEL. “We believe these resources will support and expand safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments for our nation’s learners.”
“The prioritization of social-emotional learning by policymakers is an incredible win for children, educators, families, and communities,” said Andrea Lovanhill, CEO of Committee for Children. “Students faced challenges over the past two years that affected their mental well-being and social and emotional development. We celebrate this pivotal move to address children’s learning recovery and support whole-child education. This will help students thrive in the classroom and beyond.”
We thank House Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member Kay Granger and Senate Appropriations Chairman Patrick Leahy and Ranking Member Richard Shelby, and all the members of both House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriation Committees.
Support for the funding was championed by Chairwoman Rose DeLauro (D-CT), Representative Dan Kildee (D-MI) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-C).
