Empowering Youth: How Get Real Works
Social and Emotional Learning
The Get Real curriculum is framed with the concept of social and emotional learning (SEL). Get Real uses SEL because all consensual (or voluntary) sexual activity takes place in the context of relationships. According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), "SEL is a process for helping children and even adults develop the fundamental skills for life effectiveness. SEL teaches the skills we all need to handle ourselves, our relationships, and our work, effectively and ethically. These skills include recognizing and managing our emotions, developing caring and concern for others, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and handling challenging situations constructively and ethically."
Get Real incorporates the five SEL skills of self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills and decision making as key elements in learning how to negotiate relationships. If one can negotiate relationships, one can better negotiate sexual relationships. These skills are integrated into the content of the lesson through activities and process questions. Teachers are trained in the SEL framework during Get Real Teacher Training.
