Promoting inclusive education: social and emotional learning through the Lens of Universal Design for Learning

The academic, social, and emotional needs of children in schools continue to grow. Research indicates that the implications of trauma on learning and social development are significant and suggests focusing on resilience through social and emotional learning (SEL) and the development of executive function skills. In this article, we highlight SEL as an inclusionary tool to address the impact of trauma in schools. We examine SEL through a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) lens to promote intentional lesson design for learner variability. This article encourages teachers to re-evaluate traditional models of teaching and learning and provides insight into ways to develop executive functioning skills of all students, using SEL and UDL as socially responsible frameworks.