Frequently Asked Questions

While there are a multitude of frameworks available, for the purposes of these tools, we have narrowed down to a set of frameworks using the following criteria:

1. Representative of a wide range of disciplines
2. Widely adopted
3. Include descriptive skills, traits, competencies, strengths, mindsets and/or attributes that are defined and can be coded

We are continuing to add frameworks to the site as we continually look for ways to improve our tools and profiles.

Looking for particular frameworks? Let us know.

There are many ways to visually represent the data that underlies our tools, and we are continually looking to improve upon our tools or add additional ways to view the data.

Our work has identified six SEL domains. The Cognitive domain includes the basic cognitive skills required to direct behavior toward the attainment of a goal. Skills in this domain are involved in tasks that require you to concentrate and focus, remember instructions, prioritize tasks, control impulses, set and achieve goals, use information to make decisions, and more.

Specific skills in this area include: Attention Control, Working Memory & Planning, Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, and Critical Thinking.

The Emotion domain includes skills that help you recognize, express, and control your emotions as well as understand and empathize with others. Skills in this domain are important not only for managing your own feelings and behavior, but also for interacting with and responding to others in prosocial ways.

Specific skills in this area include: Emotion Knowledge & Expression, Emotion & Behavior Regulation, and Empathy & Perspective-taking

The Social domain includes skills thathelp you accurately interpret other people’s behavior, effectively navigate social situations, and interact positively with others. Skills in this domain are required to work collaboratively, solve social problems, build positive relationships, and coexist peacefully with others.

Specific skills in this area include: Understanding Social Cues, Conflict Resolution & Social Problem-solving, and Prosocial & Cooperative Behavior

Values includes the skills, character traits/virtues, and habits that support you to be a prosocial and productive member of a particular community. It encompasses understanding, caring about, and acting upon core ethical values; the desire to perform to one’s highest potential; and the habits required to live and work together with others as a friend, family member, and citizen.

Specific values in this area include: Ethical Values, Performance Values, Intellectual Values, and Civic Values

Your perspective is how you view and approach the world. It impacts how you see yourself, others, and your own circumstances and influences how you interpret and approach challenges in your daily life. A positive perspective can help you protect against and manage negative feelings to successfully accomplish tasks and get along with others.

Specific perspectives in this area include: Optimism, Gratitude, Openness, and Enthusiasm/Zest

Identity encompasses how you understand and perceive yourself and your abilities. It includes your knowledge and beliefs about yourself, including your ability to learn and grow. When you feel good about yourself; sure of your place in the world; and confident in your ability to learn, grow, and overcome obstacles, it becomes easier to cope with challenges and build positive relationships. Specific competencies in this area include: Self-knowledge, Purpose, Self-efficacy & Growth Mindset, and Self-esteem

Terms described within each framework were coded by a team of trained research assistants using a common set of benchmarks. Codes are divided into six domains, each of which contains a set of sub-domains that represent a particular skill in that domain. Each of these sub-domains is further divided into benchmark codes that consist of an observable behavior or state that indicate a child is using that particular skill. Terms received a benchmark code if a coder determined that the definition or description of the construct provided within the framework matched the skills or behaviors described in the associated benchmark.

Terms described within each framework were coded by a team of trained research assistants using a common set of benchmarks. Codes are divided into six domains, each of which contains a set of sub-domains that represent a particular skill in that domain. Each of these sub-domains is further divided into benchmark codes that consist of an observable behavior or state that indicate a child is using that particular skill. Constructs received a benchmark code if a coder determined that the definition or description of the construct provided within the framework matched the skills or behaviors described in the associated benchmark. The relatedness of two terms is not a simple percent overlap of codes. Rather, it is determined by calculating the overlap in coding at the code, sub-domain, and domain level.

The PSS-SEL Toolbox and Explore SEL were both developed by the EASEL Lab, using the coding system, database(s), and set of analyses designed and refined by the EASEL Lab over many years. Explore SEL was launched in 2018, using data from 16 frameworks that were mostly developed and used in the United States. In 2019, the EASEL Lab partnered with Echidna Giving to expand the website and database to include 20 new frameworks, with a focus on those developed and used in international education contexts. In 2020, the EASEL Lab partnered with INEE to develop a version of the tools specifically for humanitarian and crisis contexts, with a focus on psychosocial support (PSS) and wellbeing, plus the development of new tools to support localization and contextualization of PSS-SEL, and additional resources to provide guidance and support to those working in the field. The resulting PSS-SEL Toolbox includes Data Tools (based on those available via Explore SEL), Localizing Tools, and Resources. As part of the process for developing the Toolbox with INEE, the EASEL Lab conducted a literature review about PSS-SEL in global humanitarian and emergency contexts, additional reviews about psychosocial support and wellbeing, and coded 70+ documents created by organizations working in humanitarian, development, and crisis settings. This process generated some new codes and nuanced examples of SEL in diverse global contexts, which was used to update our coding system. Thus, the resulting database and visual tools on the PSS-SEL Toolbox have some slight differences from those on Explore SEL. For example, a framework coded for the Toolbox could receive 1-2 additional (new) codes in a particular SEL domain, which might increase the percentage of that framework which is focused on that domain and decrease the percentage focused on other domains. There are no substantial differences between the coding used for Explore SEL and the PSS-SEL Toolbox, beyond the new codes which were used to generate the "Compare Wellbeing" tool. The coding results are stable, but some domain percentages change slightly due to the addition of new codes over time. If you have any questions about methods or how materials were coded, please reach out to Bryan Nelson at the EASEL Lab: (contact info here).