The Extent to Which Social and Emotional Learning Is Incorporated Into State Principal Certification and Evaluation Standards

Principals play key roles in cultivating positive school environments to support teaching and learning. Ongoing and innovative efforts are being directed toward developing models to improve the quality of principal preparation and performance through certification and evaluation requirements. Social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies are foundational skills that support positive health practices, cultural responsiveness, student academic achievement, engaged citizenship, and positive school culture. However, little is known about the degree to which state-level principal certification and evaluation standards include SEL-related knowledge or skills. In this study, we evaluate the extent to which SEL has been incorporated into state standards for principal certification and evaluation to help policymakers and developers of principal preparation programs make informed decisions.