Using SEL to Drive Inclusive Practices in High School

(Grades 9-12) / Flex Course

PDI Course Number: 130T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC42277


Course Description

As a busy high school teacher, does the prospect of finding the time to incorporate socio-emotional learning (SEL) skills into your classroom feel like it is just one more “thing” to fit into your schedule? This online course provides high school teachers with a host of suggestions to successfully incorporate SEL best practices into their classrooms in an effort to address the needs of the whole student, completely and holistically. The course covers many important topics such as making the classroom accessible and equitable to all learners, building positive relationships, and fostering students’ internal motivation and drive. Throughout the course, teachers will learn how to use specific SEL strategies as they tailor their instruction to each student’s zone of proximal development while gradually releasing the responsibility of learning to the student. Teachers will learn how to design engaging instructional activities that appeal to students’ interests while simultaneously incorporating SEL strategies. The topic of assessment is also addressed, and teachers will have a better understanding of how to design consistent, clear assessments that thoughtfully take students’ social and emotional needs into account. By the end of this course, teachers will feel more confident and successful in their quest to incorporate SEL best practices so that their high school students are empowered to become effective and engaged lifelong learners. This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from UUniversity of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on university credit, click here.

"The content was very interesting and engaging. I was able to use many ideas in my own teaching. The resources were easily accessible and helpful." - Shannon Szymczyk

Enrollment Options

Course Only

$112 with the discount

Course with Credit from UCSD

$284 with the discount

This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units or 5 quarter units of graduate-level credit from UCSD.

You have up to one year from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.


Click here to view the course syllabus.

Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.

UCSD Course Number: EDUC42277
Unit One
  • Socio-emotional Learning: A Driving Force in Education
  • The Inclusive Classroom
  • Accessibility and Equity
  • Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
  • Test #1
Unit Two
  • Building Positive Relationships
  • Connecting with Families
  • Creating Authentic Connections
  • Assignment #2: Article reflection
  • Test #2
Unit Three
  • Fostering Internal Motivation in Students
  • Building Self-Confidence
  • Real-World Applications
  • Assignment #3: Share your expertise
  • Test #3
Unit Four
  • Zone of Proximal Development
  • Gradual Release of Responsibility
  • Designing Engaging Material
  • Test #4
Unit Five
  • Incorporating Feedback and Revision into Daily Classroom Routines
  • Incorporating Students’ Interests into Lessons
  • Creating a Manageable Workload
  • Test #5
Unit Six
  • Understanding Assessments
  • Creating Consistent, Clear Assessments
  • Empowering Students to Become Effective and Engaged Lifelong Learners
  • Assignment #4: Create an instructional plan and assessment
  • Assignment #5: Course Reflection

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