SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) instruction in Virginia's public schools was informed by the Virginia Social Emotional (SEL) Guidance Standards developed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) in 2021, which guided schools across the state on how SEL skills should be taught at each grade level. The standards are based on CASEL’s nationally recognized definition of SEL, which includes five key competencies:
- Self Awareness
- Self Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision Making