Compare Skill Focus Across Frameworks

Frameworks focus on different things – some cover many areas of SEL and the non-academic domain while others take a more focused approach. This can make it difficult to determine which frameworks meet your needs or identify those that can be paired to create alignment between ages and across settings.

Use the bar graphs below to compare the extent to which each framework concentrates on six common areas, or domains, of SEL.

View Options

This view shows how much emphasis each framework places on one domain relative to the other domains. This graph is most useful for understanding a framework’s general focus, or which domains receive the most attention in a particular framework.

This view shows the level of detail with which each framework covers a particular domain by taking into consideration the size and scope of the framework – the total number of skills that fall under each domain and the level of detail with which they are defined. This graph is most useful for understanding the depth or comprehensiveness of a framework’s focus on a particular domain.

Domains

Cognitive
Emotion
Social
Values
Perspectives
Identity

Definition of Domains

Cognitive

The Cognitive domain includes the basic cognitive skills required to direct behavior toward the attainment of a goal. Skills in this domain are involved in tasks that require you to concentrate and focus, remember instructions, prioritize tasks, control impulses, set and achieve goals, use information to make decisions, and more.

Specific skills in this area include: Attention Control, Working Memory & Planning, Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, and Critical Thinking.

Emotion

The Emotion domain includes skills that help you recognize, express, and control your emotions as well as understand and empathize with others. Skills in this domain are important not only for managing your own feelings and behavior, but also for interacting with and responding to others in prosocial ways.

Specific skills in this area include: Emotion Knowledge & Expression, Emotion & Behavior Regulation, and Empathy & Perspective-taking

Social

The Social domain includes skills that help you accurately interpret other people’s behavior, effectively navigate social situations, and interact positively with others. Skills in this domain are required to work collaboratively, solve social problems, build positive relationships, and coexist peacefully with others.

Specific skills in this area include: Understanding Social Cues, Conflict Resolution & Social Problem-solving, and Prosocial & Cooperative Behavior

Values

Values includes the skills, character traits/virtues, and habits that support you to be a prosocial and productive member of a particular community. It encompasses understanding, caring about, and acting upon core ethical values; the desire to perform to one’s highest potential; and the habits required to live and work together with others as a friend, family member, and citizen.

Specific values in this area include: Ethical Values, Performance Values, Intellectual Values, and Civic Values

Perspectives

Your perspective is how you view and approach the world. It impacts how you see yourself, others, and your own circumstances and influences how you interpret and approach challenges in your daily life. A positive perspective can help you protect against and manage negative feelings to successfully accomplish tasks and get along with others.

Specific perspectives in this area include: Optimism, Gratitude, Openness, and Enthusiasm/Zest

Identity

Identity encompasses how you understand and perceive yourself and your abilities. It includes your knowledge and beliefs about yourself, including your ability to learn and grow. When you feel good about yourself; sure of your place in the world; and confident in your ability to learn, grow, and overcome obstacles, it becomes easier to cope with challenges and build positive relationships.

Specific competencies in this area include: Self-knowledge, Purpose, Self-efficacy & Growth Mindset, and Self-esteem