Social emotional learning (SEL) does not map to standards the same way as academic learning. The skills and mindsets involved take ongoing practice over the course of an individual’s lifespan. After a rigorous review of various state initiatives aimed at identifying key SEL indicators, MBZ Labs developed and refined this custom set of SEL competencies in collaboration with a team of educators and school leaders who serve students with behavior challenges. The matrix is being used to guide the development of a K-8 SEL curriculum and assessment for this population. Each strand: awareness, regulation, mindsets, and values-can and should be revisited at each grade level with increased focus on mindsets and values as students progress into upper elementary and middle school.