California School Streamlines SEL Supports with Multi-Tiered System

A California elementary school is streamlining its approach to social-emotional learning (SEL) supports by implementing a multi-tiered system of supports model.

The Foussat Language Academy, a public magnet school in California's Oceanside Unified School District, piloted the program last semester. The first tier of supports included SEL curriculum presented to an entire class, while the second offered group support, and the third focused on individual support for students.

The school's only counselor, Elyse Valentine, said that the program came together after the district struck partnerships with Riverside Insights, Move This World, and The Stepping Stones Group. Valentine stated, "We're always looking at ways to support our students' mental health because that supports their whole learning process."

The pilot began in February, with Move This World addressing Tier 1 support in the classroom while also alerting administrators, counselors, and clinicians to support who may need Tier 2 or Tier 3 referrals. The Devereux assessment served as an early identification method for Tiers 2 or 3 services.

The program aims to provide students with more coping skills and emotional regulation. Valentine said, "We are hoping the lessons, in time, will give the students more coping skills and more emotional regulation." The lessons are also designed to help teachers identify students who need referrals for Tiers 2 and 3.

Some 58% of public schools reported more students looking for school-based mental health support in the 2024-25 school year than in the year before, according to an analysis released by KFF. However, just half of all respondents said they could effectively provide the necessary services for all students with social and emotional issues.

The school plans to launch the program fully this school year, with teachers being trained on the Move This World student mental health curriculum model and the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment of SEL and student success.

## Coordinated Community Care Team

The school has formed a coordinated community care team, consisting of the school psychologist, nurse, social worker, principal, and assistant principal. Valentine said, "We're able to look at that [assessment] data to identify students who need that extra support."

## Future Plans

The school plans to hang posters throughout the school next year, with emojis that relate to emotion management skills. Valentine said, "We're excited next year to see changes, to see the growth in coping skills and emotional regulation.