How many glasses of water should we drink each day? We all know the answer: 8. It’s common, universal knowledge. It’s also a complete myth. No scientific evidence behind it at all. None. Zilch. Researchers say, instead, listen to your body. A unique dosage of hydration exists for all of us and finding it makes all the difference.

This week, we’re challenging some of the assumptions about test-day preparation. We see the usual rollout of pep rallies to motivate students for that big test. We have to ask, do these pep rallies really help? Or do they do more harm than good? Is there data that shows they help? Or are they a myth? We hope the collective hive mind of Setser Nation can help us with that question. 

We ask this question because we saw student anxiety skyrocket during the pandemic. Living through the three pandemics (covid, misinformation, and racism) changed people. We’re now living in a new normal, and we’re still discovering the impact it had on our youth. Maybe a crowded, noisy gym hyping a state-mandated test isn’t accomplishing what it once did, if it ever did. 

We know this: All paths lead to the need for social and emotional learning. For the day of the big test, we’re reminded of coach Normal Dale's lesson. Rely on what you practiced, and don’t overhype the big game. The rim is 10-feet high in Madison Square Garden just like it is in Hickory High. Breathe, pause, read, and reflect on what you’ve learned to address any question - whether on a test or not.

Like everything you do in the building, make test-day preparations with fidelity, intention, and care. SEL practices are where you’ll refine your test-day preparations, for both the big and little tests. Research shows students who complete SEL programs have better academic performance, increased problem-solving skills, and reduced emotional distress. Check! Check! Check! Additionally, the soft skills developed in SEL are better predictors of school and workforce success than standardized tests.

Lead your SEL efforts with this in mind:

We’re not saying don’t have pep rallies. In fact, have them often. Celebrate all the successes in your students’ academic journeys. Let students regularly see how you value those achievements. But you have to have a better plan than drumming up motivation in one academic rally at the end of the year. Amateurs rely on the fickle magic of a pep rally. Professionals rely on preparation and establishing habits every day. They practice it with every assessment in the classroom and every game on the field. When the big day arrives, their confidence comes from their everyday methodical approach. See Nick Saban’s Process Thinking for more.

The tools below can be used to make your SEL journey an enjoyable one. 

Each week we want to celebrate the important work of a current or former Setser Group client or partner. iThrive Games is a socially-minded foundation that fosters teen thriving through meaningful gameplay. Their design enhances the knowledge, mindsets, and skills teens need to thrive through development and across the continuum of mental health. The foundation’s Supporting Teen Mental Health series is an essential read for educators and parents, and perfect for May’s Mental Health Awareness month.

Here’s a quick iThrive exercise called Pause-Breathe-Name. Add this grounding exercise to your emotional toolkit to help regulate strong emotions after a life serves up one of its shifts or shocks.

Want to share Setser Group on social media?

Want to learn more about Setser Group’s work with the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles Class Project? Great resources here for parents and educators:  

https://www.chla.org/class-project-collectively-learning-and-supporting-schools

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SocialForGood #SEL #SocialEmotionalLearning #SetserGroup #FutureOfLearning #FutureOfWork #SetserNation