To succeed in school, students need to be engaged, interested, and excited to be there. They need to know how to focus their attention on their work, keep trying even when they get discouraged or face setbacks, work effectively with other students and adults, and be good communicators and problem-solvers. These skills form a foundation for young people's success not just in school, but in their adult lives as members of the community, as productive workers, and as parents. Research indicates that these skills can be taught by regular classroom teachers in schools of every type to students of every background. Programs that teach these skills are increasingly referred to as "Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)" programs. This report introduces the concept of SEL and the value of SEL for students and schools. The role of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) as an early advocate for SEL education is discussed, highlighting research, publications, studies, and organizational partnerships. (Contains 4 footnotes.).