Frequently Asked Questions

The SEL Providers Association aims to advance high-quality SEL implementation by bringing together SEL providers for:

• Networking: Build meaningful partnerships that advance the SEL field
• Shared learning: Learn from other SEL providers, researchers, field experts, and practitioners
• Collective promotion: Foster education and awareness about SEL in schools, youth-serving organizations and communities
• Advocacy: Advocate for policies and funding that support high-quality SEL implementation

Association activities include in-person and online convening events, an online discussion board, and various initiatives launched by subcommittees. An elected Board of Directors determines the Association’s plan of activities each year.

Assocation members have exclusive access to in-person and online convening events, online discussion boards, resources and materials. In addition, the Association lists and links back to member organizations on its website.

Membership enables SEL providers to:

• Connect with leading SEL researchers, practitioners, policymakers and other experts
• Work collectively to promote and advocate for SEL
• Meet and build relationships with other SEL program and assessment providers
• Learn emerging trends and best practices for SEL implementation

Membership is open to organizations that develop, market, and/or distribute SEL programs, curricula, professional development, and/or assessments for early, elementary, secondary, and higher education.

The Association recognizes the importance of evidence-based programming and assessment tools and appreciates the investment that many providers have made to establish evidence of effectiveness/validity. We also understand that many providers are still working towards establishing an evidence base. Providers can demonstrate effectiveness with a program/assessment listed in one of the following guides—CASEL Program Guides, Harvard GSE Navigating SEL from the Inside Out, RAND SEL Interventions Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, SEL Assessment Guide, RAND Education Assessment Finder—or describe plans to study their program/assessment effectiveness.

An elected eight-member Board directs the Association’s annual goals, activities, and policies. Board members are elected annually in January for a two-year term and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. We endeavor to recruit Board members who reflect the diversity of the Association’s membership. Periodic member surveys and input gathered at Association activities inform the Board’s decisions.

In addition, a Project Director helps manage Association activities.

Members are encouraged to actively participate in Association leadership and activities by running for the elected Board of Directors or joining Committees, which focus on specific Association priorities driven by member interest. The committees elect their leadership annually.