Massachusetts DESE provides statewide SEL guidelines built on five core competencies. GRiT is a ready, neuroscience-based way to deliver them across K–12.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides statewide social-emotional learning guidelines organized around five core competencies, as part of the state’s whole-child, safe-and-supportive-schools focus.
These guidelines are recommended best practice rather than a mandate — a framework districts can choose how to implement. GRiT gives them a concrete, measurable way to do it.
Not a feelings worksheet. GRiT teaches how the brain and stress response work, as tools students actually use.
GRiT Compass shows growth across five dynamics, so Massachusetts leaders can report impact, not just activity.
Grade-banded for K–12 through college, with a light weekly footprint that fits the school day.
Massachusetts provides statewide SEL guidelines through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), organized around five core competencies. They are recommended best practice rather than a statewide mandate.
Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Yes. GRiT is a neuroscience-based way to deliver all five DESE competencies across Kâ12, with real-time measurement through GRiT Compass.
Turn DESE’s SEL competencies into a program that’s live in under a week — and shows the growth.
→ Book a discovery callReflects Massachusetts DESE social-emotional learning guidance as of 2026, provided for general information and not as legal advice. SEL guidelines in Massachusetts are recommended best practice, not a statewide mandate. Confirm current guidance with DESE.