Responsible Decision-Making: SEL Competency #3

Governor Mifflin Middle School believes that learning to make responsible decisions is a necessary skill in life. It is a part of the problem-solving process and a skill that needs to be taught and learned so students can navigate the challenges and responsibilities they encounter in school and life. 

The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do (and what you have to do to get there isn't always easy). This quote from author, Bill Phillips exemplifies the law of cause and effect that directs the path one takes in life, based on the decision-making process. Considering all the decisions a person makes in the course of a day in today's fast-paced world, for adults and children alike, it's no wonder why stress and anxiety rates are through the roof. Granted, many of these decisions might be as menial as deciding what to wear or what to eat for breakfast. However, even the seemingly menial decisions contribute to outcomes. For example, choosing a healthy breakfast over an unhealthy choice might be the difference between having that extra bit of brainpower needed to complete a project that morning. 

Following the previous model of examining the CASEL framework, responsible decision-making can be considered the 3rd SEL competency and defined by CASEL as the abilities to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. This includes the capacities to consider ethical standards and safety concerns, and to evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being. You'll notice in the video below that, through explicit instruction, adults help students learn important decision-making capacities, which include; Demonstrating curiosity and open-mindedness; Identifying solutions for personal and social problems; Learning to make a reasoned judgment after analyzing information, data, and facts; Anticipating and evaluating the consequences of one’s actions; Recognizing how critical thinking skills are useful both inside & outside of school; Reflecting on one’s role to promote personal, family, and community well-being; and, Evaluating personal, interpersonal, community, and institutional impacts.


Research shows strong benefits to using responsible decision-making skills. According to Positive Action, students who demonstrate responsible decision-making have better social behaviors, lower stress, and reduced discipline issues. In addition, they realize better academic performance, lower absenteeism, reduced risk of violent behaviors, and a lower likelihood of using illicit substances. 

The Positive Action decision-making model identifies five steps to making responsible decisions. The checklist below provides some steps/strategies to help students through the problem-solving and decision making process:

1. Identify the problem.
2. Analyze the situation.
3. Brainstorm solutions and solve the problem.
4. Consider ethical responsibility.
5. Evaluate and reflect.

While not all decisions will need this level of evaluation and consideration, the Positive Action decision-making model will certainly prove to be a valuable resource in helping students navigate the problem-solving and decision-making process. Undoubtedly, when students start to understand the importance that their everyday decisions have on their progress, and they are given the skills to make responsible decisions, they will start to approach the problem-solving and decision-making process as an opportunity for growth and a more defined path to success. 

Additional resources and what's on the horizon for flex period!

Additional Resources

Flex Period Schedule
Days 1 & 4 - SSR - Silent Sustained Reading - Learn More Here
Days 2 & 5 - iReady - Family Resource Page
Days 3 & 6 - SEL - Social Emotional Learning Schedule
* 3/10 - Restorative Circle Introduction
* 3/15 - Understanding Conflict

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership in education!

Sincerely,

Chris Killinger
GMMS Associate Principal


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