CHESTERTON - The Duneland School Corporation is implementing a district-wide curriculum for social emotional learning this fall.
Assistant Superintendent Robert McDermott told the "Times" it will be the first time the district will implement a standardized SEL curriculum with topics such as empathy, kindness, goal setting and emotion regulation.
McDermott said the district, and many schools across the country, saw increased anxiety and depression among students. The district is creating the curriculum to be both proactive and reactive in helping students mentally, emotionally and academically.
Starting in the fall, all students will receive at least one 20 to 25 minute SEL lesson per week.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will take growth mindset and goal setting, emotion management, empathy and kindness and problem solving.
Sixth to eighth grade students, will learn mindset and goals, recognizing bullying and harassment, managing relationships and conflict and thoughts, emotions and decisions.
McDermott says applied neuroscience is becoming more common in schools. It also includes learning interventions to help improve human function.