Building Stronger Communities through Education

James Skinner, Director of Adult Education and Literacy at Temple College

1. According to the latest reports, governments and associations are pushing for the adoption of SEL programs into every learning institutions core curriculum due to the decline in student well-being and the need for social and emotional recovery. As the director of adult education and literacy at Temple College, what according to you, are the major factors that are driving the need for different types of holistic learning?

As the Director of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) at Temple College, I believe the major factors that are driving the need for holistic learning include the need to (a) enhance mental and emotional well-being, (b) improveacademic achievement, and (c) reduce the negative impact of inequities. As a result of many recent studies, the effects of bullying, stress, and the feeling of inadequacy have been identified as major prohibitors to student academic success. When implemented and managed effectively SEL programs focused on holistic approaches to learning that empower students to improve educational outcomes and reinforce the life skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

2. While SEL programs are typically modeled for young learners, many have expressed the importance of such programs for adult learners, teachers, parents, guardians, and community members. What is your opinion on the long-term impact of SEL on individuals of all ages?

In my opinion, Temple College AEL’s Reentry and Post-Release Services Program is an excellent example of the use of SEL in adult education. The initial phase of the program is taught in the county jail and its goal is to reduce recidivism by providing adult educational services - including workforce training - to incarcerated and newly-released individuals. Merely providing traditional classes to  incarceratedpersons does little to address the behaviors that caused them to offend. Therefore, SEL is arguably the most critical element of the reentry training process.

3. Many SEL programs are increasingly incorporating assessment tools into their toolkit that help individuals express their emotions, and better understand where and how a learner can improve. What do you think are some of the new innovations in the field of SEL that can help institutions improve a student’s learning experience?

Although there have been many advances in the area of SEL assessment tools, namely the introduction of computer-based programs, I believe the best methods of program assessment remain questionnaires, observations, performance assessments, reports, and interviews and focus groups. In my opinion, there will never be an assessment tool more effective than good old-fashioned observation. Based on budget, location, demographics, size, and varying prioritization of outcomes, best practices involve the local development of assessment tools based on widely accepted standards such as Casel’s SEL Framework.

“The long-term impacts of SEL on individuals of all ages include their continued ability to appropriately interact with others and pursue a professional career using the social, life, and educational skills obtained during the holistic learning process.”

Communication plays a key role in the success of SEL programs.Innovative communication tools like Microsoft Teams’ Reflect which allows students to share their emotional state of mind as they enter the classroom or at any time during a lesson could greatly enhance student/teacher engagement, resulting in a better learning experience for the student. Additionally, updating learning management systems to a more user-friendly platform goes a long way in relieving much of the stress caused by the administrative process associated with the education process – resulting in better student experiences.

4. Before your stint at Temple College, what are some of your experiences that empowered you to gain deep expertise in adult education, strategic planning, program management, project management, creative problem solving, and other aspects of the dynamic education landscape?

Before my time at Temple College, I earned an MBA/Human Performance Technology at Excelsior University, Albany, NY. Also, I served 28 years in the United States Army. My Army career included many instructor/teacher assignments, such as, Senior ROTC Instructor/Tutor at Alcorn State University, and Instructional Cadre at The Department of Defense Language Institute. My experiences at Temple College include Testing and Assessment Specialist, Adult Education Instructor (all subjects), Workforce Development Instructor, Associate Director of Adult Education and Literacy, and Director of Adult Educationand Literacy.

5. On an ending note, what is your advice for other senior leaders and CXOs working in the education sector?

SEL, like so many other methods and approaches, is nothing new. Lengthy vision and mission statements aside – everything we do should simply improve our students’ opportunities to succeed. An untold number of research hours and dollars have been spent identifying barriers to learning and how to mitigate them.The implementation of a well-planned and developed SEL program is a great place to start.

Microsoft

Project Management

Learning Management