Assessing Social and Emotional Competencies in Educational Settings: Supporting Resilience in Young People

Abstract

This chapter connects resilience to the development of social and emotional competencies (i.e., the abilities to integrate thinking, feeling, and behavior to support positive intra- and interpersonal functioning) among young people. First, we present social and emotional competencies as both protective and promotive factors that ameliorate risk and foster well-being. Second, we describe strengths-based social and emotional assessment tools that can help cultivate well-being when embedded in social and emotional learning initiatives, multitiered systems of support, or continuous improvement efforts. Third, we discuss how the assessment tools have been used with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse populations, and consider how assessments of social and emotional competencies can be conducted in ways that support school-based equity efforts. Ultimately, this chapter provides guidance and examples for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike to consider how to measure social and emotional competencies in young people to support positive youth development and effective learning environments.