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the most effective way to implement SEL is to do so systematically. While it can certainly be a 30 minute lesson, a systemic approach to SEL inten tionally cultivates a caring, participatory, and equi table learning environment, as well as an evidence based practice that actively involves all students in their social, emotional, and academic growth. This approach infuses social and emotional learning into every part of students ’ daily lives—across all of their classrooms, during all times of the school day, and when they are in their homes and communities. A Pew Research Center surveyed U.S. teens ages 13 to 17. Ninety - six percent identified depression and anxiety as a problem among their peers, 70% of the participants identified it as a major problem (Pew, 2019). Marc Brackett and his team at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence have inter viewed thousands of students and teachers, and the results were similar to the Pew Research survey results. Parents identified mental health as the most im portant aspect for their child ’ s success, while read ing came in second. Mental health was in the top five list among teachers. As stated earlier in this paper, a greater number of girls, more than boys, suffer from math anxiety. A recent study showed at all levels of mathematics abilities, mathematics anxiety correlated negatively with girls ’ and wom en ’ s interest in scientific careers. Thus, math anxiety can be crippling, and is a phe nomenon that is often considered when exploring students' who struggle in mathematics (Cipriano et al, 2019). Math anxiety is commonly linked to timed tests, public embarrassment, and influenced by teachers ’ behaviors. The question is, “ Can math anxiety, an emotion, be overcome? And if so, how? The answer is yes. SEL skills applied to math anxi ety can be taught and developed. Teachers may la ment, “ How can I possibly find the time for it when I don't have enough time to teach my aca demic content? ” This concern is understandable, and you are not alone. However, research shows that social and emotional skills and academic learning are dependent upon one another ( Cipriano et al, 2019) and teachers should consider this con nection. SEL skills provide a foundation for aca demic learning, which promotes success in work and in life. The Impact of SEL on Girls ’ Math Achievement

• Manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy • For others, establish and maintain positive rela tionships, and make responsible decisions. “ Emotion is where learning begins, or, as is often the case, where it ends. Put simply, “ It is literally neurobiologically impossible to think deeply about things that you don ’ t care about, ” says Immordino Yang (2015). She studies students brain activity using a functional M.R.I., a scanner that shows brain function in real time (Immordino - Yang, M.H., 2015). Great teachers understand that the best, most dura ble learning happens when content sparks interest, when it is relevant to a child ’ s life, and when the students form an emotional bond with either the subject at hand or the teacher in front of them. Meaningful learning happens when teachers are able to create an emotional connection to what might otherwise be considered abstract concepts, ideas, or skills. Creating this emotional connection may sound like a daunting task, but research has shown that the investment reaps huge dividends in the form of in creased learning and better grades. In their study (Cipriano et al, 2019), these researchers found that students who experienced SEL training: • Scored 13 points higher academically than their peers 3.5 years later • Had 6 percent increase in high school gradua tion rates; and • Could possibly reap lifelong monetary benefits from a healthy adult lifestyle. Additionally, there is evidence of Improved Stu dent Behavior, such as decreased dropout rates, school and classroom behavior issues, drug use, teen pregnancy, mental health problems, and crimi nal behavior (Cipriano et al, 2019). Thus, when teachers take the time to learn about their students ’ likes, dislikes, and personal interests, whether it is racial issues brewing at their school, their after school job, or their dreams and goals, this emotion al connection improves learning. SEL is a deeply ingrained part of the way students and adults interact both in the classroom and out of the classroom. SEL helps to provide children with equitable, supportive, and welcoming learning en vironments. However, it is very important to note

In short, the time a teacher spends incorporating

Virginia Mathematics Teacher vol. 46, no. 2

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