The OECD Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES) highlights critical patterns in students' social-emotional development, particularly during early adolescence. It underscores the decline in competencies among 10- to 15-year-olds, with pronounced differences influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, and regional factors. These insights stress the vital role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in fostering academic success and well-being.
Alongside teachers many other professionals play pivotal roles in addressing these gaps, including school psychologists. Equipped with expertise in educational and developmental psychology, they provide comprehensive assessments, interventions, and strategies to enhance SEL. Their contributions range from supporting mental health to fostering inclusive and resilient school climates. Collaboration with educators, parents, and policymakers further amplifies their impact. While schools and education systems can well develop assessment and intervention programs, the presence of school psychologists can qualify these processes even more and bring intentionality and support to these initiatives.
This report focuses on the role of school psychologists to support students’ SEL. To this end, it draws on the research literature on effective school psychology, presents new analyses of SSES 2023 data on the topic, and concludes with policy considerations.
