Level 3 of the NBSS model of support is distinctive in that in each instance it is tailored to the specific needs of the individual student. At this level the NBSS works with schools in developing individual students’ social and emotional literacy skills by focusing on areas such as self-awareness, managing feelings, motivation, empathy and social skills, if appropriate and as part of a Student Behaviour Plan. Social and emotional literacy helps students to recognise, understand, handle and appropriately express their emotions.
From the research literature there is evidence that working on emotional and social competence and wellbeing has a wide range of educational and social benefits, including greater educational and work success, improved behaviour, increased inclusion, improved learning and improvements to mental health.
“Students who are anxious, angry, or depressed don't learn; people who are caught in these states do not take information effectively or deal with it well…powerful negative emotions twist attention toward their own preoccupations, interfering with the attempt to focus elsewhere…When emotions overwhelm concentration, what is being swamped is the mental capacity cognitive scientists call 'working memory', the ability to hold in mind all information relevant to the task at hand…. On the other hand, consider the role of positive motivation - the marshalling of feelings of enthusiasm, zeal, and confidence - in achievement.”
(Daniel Goleman 1995).
Developing social and emotional literacy skills with students impacts positively on learning and behaviour and the NBSS supports schools in developing social and emotional skills that help promote positive behaviour and effective learning at Level 1, 2 and 3.