USAID’s Jordan Technical Assistance Program institutionalizes social and emotional learning at a national level

By Pariesa Brody

Amman, Jordan-The USAID Jordan Technical Assistance Program (JTAP) held its inaugural validation session, bringing together stakeholders and experts to approve the Ministry of Education's first National Framework for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

This crucial framework establishes the first institutionalized baseline of minimal operational standards for teachers, school administrators and counselors to support students' psychosocial needs and social and emotional learning skills.

USAID/Jordan Technical Assistance Program SEL Framework Workshop, July 25, 2024.

The SEL Framework, developed in collaboration with Ministry experts and international NGOs, is based on data collected from focus groups and key interviews. JTAP has been instrumental in coordinating efforts with the Ministry to unify the work of all implementing partners and stakeholders, aiming to build a comprehensive national framework and strategy for psychosocial support and social and emotional learning (PSS-SEL).

The move toward successfully validating the SEL Framework marks a significant milestone in Jordan's educational landscape. It ensures a unified approach to PSS-SEL, aligning efforts and establishing clear strategies and policies that reflect the actual needs of Jordanian students and schools. This framework will serve as a national reference for all initiatives and programs related to capacity building, skill development and assessment in the field of PSS-SEL.

Social and emotional learning is the process of developing essential emotional and social skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. SEL is integrated through curriculum enhancements, explicit instruction, classroom practices, school-wide programs, professional development for educators, family and community engagement, supportive policies and ongoing assessment. These strategies foster a positive school climate and equip students with the skills needed for academic success and personal growth.

Evidence-based decision making

In November 2023, JTAP and the Ministry hosted a workshop to address the lack of a unified definition and coordinated approach to SEL programming. Its goal was to establish a clear and contextualized definition of PSS-SEL and identify core skills necessary for teachers and students to achieve optimal results from these programs.

JTAP trained 22 members of the Ministry's Counseling Department to conduct focus groups and interviews with teachers, students, supervisors and parents nationwide. These interviewers were trained using Harvard University's PSS-SEL Toolbox, adapted for the Jordanian context.

The results of these interviews and focus groups culminated in a better understanding of the school system's needs and gaps, informing a comprehensive national social and emotional learning strategy.

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