Tennessee K–6 social-emotional learning standards

Tennessee writes its own social-emotional learning standards. They are published as Tennessee K-12 Social and Personal Competencies Resource Guide, adopted 2017 and are not a version of a national framework. Every one is matched to a national standard.

Framework: Tennessee K-12 Social and Personal Competencies Resource Guide
Adopted: 2017
Source last checked: August 8, 2026

Read the official document

167 standards, kindergarten through 6th grade

K-2.1A.1K–2
Recognizes and accurately names emotions/feelings
K-2.1A.2K–2
Identifies and communicates an emotion/feelings
K-2.1A.3K–2
Describes emotions and the situations that cause them
K-2.1B.1K–2
Describes personal likes and dislikes
K-2.1B.2K–2
Recognizes personal qualities and interests
K-2.1B.3K–2
Identifies an interest as it relates to personal experiences
K-2.1B.4K–2
Identifies and describes preferences
K-2.1C.1K–2
Identifies likes and dislikes
K-2.1C.2K–2
Describes things one does well or the knowledge they have
K-2.1C.3K–2
Describes an activity/task in which one may need help in order to improve
K-2.1D.1K–2
Understands and follows school-wide expectations for safe and productive learning
K-2.1D.2K–2
Recognizes that there are positive and negative consequences of personal choices, behaviors, and actions
K-2.1D.3K–2
Demonstrates responsible use and care of personal and others’ belongings
K-2.1D.4K–2
Identifies attitudes and behaviors that lead to successful learning
K-2.1D.5K–2
Advocates for themselves by asking for help
K-2.1E.1K–2
Identifies at least one adult they trust
K-2.1E.2K–2
Identifies situations in which they need to seek help from an adult
K-2.1E.3K–2
Recognizes how and where to get help in an emergency situation
K-2.2A.1K–2
Identifies sources of common stress and demonstrates the ability to manage emotions
K-2.2A.2K–2
Identifies and describes how emotions relate to thoughts and behaviors
K-2.2A.3K–2
Describes and practices using words to share their emotions about an interaction or situation
K-2.2B.1K–2
Identifies a short-term goal (wish, dream)
K-2.2B.2K–2
Identifies the steps needed to accomplish a short-term goal
K-2.2B.3K–2
Identifies people/resources needed to meet one’s short-term goal
K-2.2B.4K–2
Recognizes if a goal is under one’s own control or someone else’s
K-2.2B.5K–2
Describes something they have accomplished
K-2.3A.1K–2
Recognizes the emotions/feelings of others by using attention and/or listening skills to assess facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice
K-2.3A.2K–2
Recognizes the effect of words and actions on others’ emotions
K-2.3B.1K–2
Recognizes and names how others within their school, home, and community help them
K-2.3B.2K–2
Identifies how to help others
K-2.3B.3K–2
Expresses how it feels to help others
K-2.3C.1K–2
Describes characteristics of two people that are similar and different
K-2.3C.2K–2
Name common traditions of a variety of world cultures.
K-2.4A.1K–2
Develops and maintains friendships
K-2.4A.2.1K–2
Uses positive communication and behaviors such as: taking turns,
K-2.4A.2.2K–2
Uses positive communication and behaviors such as: sharing with others,
K-2.4A.2.3K–2
Uses positive communication and behaviors such as: saying “please”, “thank you,” and/or “excuse me,”
K-2.4A.2.4K–2
Uses positive communication and behaviors such as: using compliments to encourage others, and
K-2.4A.2.5K–2
Uses positive communication and behaviors such as: paying attention when others are talking
K-2.4A.3K–2
Effectively and appropriately communicates needs, wants, and ideas in a respectful manner
K-2.4B.1K–2
Identifies multiple types of relationships they have with others
K-2.4B.2K–2
Identifies and practices appropriate behaviors that maintain positive relationships
K-2.4B.3K–2
Lists traits of a good friend
K-2.4B.4K–2
Demonstrates the ability to make friends and sustain positive relationships
K-2.4C.1K–2
Begins to develop and practice the use of problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
K-2.4C.2K–2
Recognizes that there are many ways to solve conflicts and practice solving problems using different methods, including using “I” messages
K-2.4C.3K–2
Identifies and states feelings and problems when in a conflict situation
K-2.4C.4K–2
Identifies interpersonal problems that need adult help to resolve, and appropriately asks for help
K-2.5A.1K–2
Recognizes that one has choices in how to respond in a situation and that all choices have consequences
K-2.5A.2K–2
Identifies and illustrates safe and unsafe situations
K-2.5A.3K–2
Identifies the difference between a stranger, acquaintance, and friend
K-2.5B.1K–2
Implements stop, think, act, review strategies in solving problems
K-2.5B.2K–2
Demonstrates appropriate social and classroom behavior
K-2.5B.3K–2
Demonstrates constructive academic behaviors
3-5.1A.13–5
Recognizes intensity levels of emotions in different situations
3-5.1A.23–5
Recognizes how emotions can change
3-5.1A.33–5
Recognizes how thoughts are linked with emotions and emotions are linked to behavior
3-5.1A.43–5
Describes ways emotions impact behavior(s)
3-5.1B.13–5
Compares likes and dislikes of self and others and is aware of personal qualities and interests of self and others
3-5.1B.23–5
Understands the relationship between interests and continued experiences and development
3-5.1B.33–5
Demonstrates awareness that personal qualities and interests affect decision-making
3-5.1C.13–5
Identifies strengths and limitations
3-5.1C.23–5
Describes and prioritizes strengths and interests that one wants to develop
3-5.1D.13–5
Defines what it means to be responsible and identifies ways one can be responsible in everyday life in school and in the community
3-5.1D.23–5
Explains the benefits of being responsible
3-5.1D.33–5
Demonstrates responsible behaviors
3-5.1D.43–5
Demonstrates the ability to say "No" to negative peer pressure and explain why it is important
3-5.1D.53–5
Self-advocates to support responsible choices and to avoid negative behaviors by reaching out to adults for assistance
3-5.1E.13–5
Recognizes qualities of positive role models
3-5.1E.23–5
Identifies positive adults in various facets of their lives
3-5.1E.33–5
Identifies peer, home, and school supports and/or resources to help solve problems
3-5.2A.13–5
Uses self-monitoring strategies (i.e., self-talk) to manage stress and regulate emotions
3-5.2A.23–5
Identifies the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and actions
3-5.2A.33–5
Demonstrates skills to respond effectively to pressure situations (e.g., calm down, walk away, seek help, or meditation)
3-5.2A.43–5
Expresses emotions in a respectful manner
3-5.2B.13–5
Distinguishes between short- and long-term goals
3-5.2B.23–5
Describes why learning is important in helping them achieve personal goals
3-5.2B.33–5
Identifies ability to meet the goal independently or with supports
3-5.2B.43–5
Identifies personal skills, planning, or strategies that lead to accomplishments
3-5.2B.53–5
Evaluates what one might have done differently to achieve greater success on a recent goal
3-5.3A.13–5
Recognizes the emotions of others by using listening and/or visual cues
3-5.3A.23–5
Recognizes multiple points of view or perspectives in a situation
3-5.3A.33–5
Recognizes non-verbal, environmental, or social cues to identify the emotions and perspectives of others
3-5.3A.43–5
Predicts the impact of one’s own behavior on the emotions of others
3-5.3B.13–5
Describes what they learned about themselves in helping others
3-5.3B.23–5
Shares reasons for helping others
3-5.3B.33–5
Identifies ways to contribute to their school, home, and community
3-5.3B.43–5
Works collaboratively with peers to complete a job, task, or address a need
3-5.3C.13–5
Defines stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudice
3-5.3C.23–5
Recognizes the similarities of different cultures and social groups
3-5.3C.33–5
Recognizes the value of cultures and social groups
3-5.4A.13–5
Gives and receives compliments in a genuine manner
3-5.4A.23–5
Uses active listening skills to foster better communication
3-5.4A.3.13–5
Demonstrates good sportsmanship: plays fairly
3-5.4A.3.23–5
Demonstrates good sportsmanship: is a gracious winner
3-5.4A.3.33–5
Demonstrates good sportsmanship: is an accepting loser
3-5.4A.3.43–5
Demonstrates cooperative behaviors in a group (e.g., listens, encourages, acknowledges opinions, compromises, and reaches consensus)
3-5.4B.13–5
Recognizes the difference between helpful and harmful behaviors in a relationship
3-5.4B.23–5
Identifies a problem in a relationship and determines the appropriate means of resolution (e.g., problem-solving process, peer mediation, adult assistance)
3-5.4B.33–5
Describes the positive and negative impact of peer pressure on self and others
3-5.4C.13–5
Shows an understanding of conflict as a natural part of life
3-5.4C.23–5
Describes ways to be proactive and prevent conflict
3-5.4C.33–5
Describes causes and effects of conflicts, including how one’s behavior impacts personal and others’ emotions
3-5.4C.43–5
Distinguishes between destructive and constructive ways of dealing with conflicts
3-5.4C.53–5
Activates steps of the conflict resolution (problem solving) process (active listening, expressing feelings, identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, make amends etc.)
3-5.5A.13–5
Identifies social norms that affect decision making
3-5.5A.23–5
Defines cyber-bullying and response strategies
3-5.5A.33–5
Understands bullying and how to respond to support the victim or targeted person/group
3-5.5B.13–5
Describes steps of a decision-making model
3-5.5B.23–5
Effectively participates in group decision-making
3-5.5B.33–5
Reflects on the pros and cons of the decision made or options considered
6.1A.16
Recognizes uncomfortable emotions as indicators of situations in need of attention
6.1A.26
Identifies emotional states that contribute to or detract from ability to problem solve
6.1A.36
Explains the possible outcomes associated with the different forms of communicating emotions
6.1B.16
Accommodates and plans for the likes and dislikes of a group
6.1B.26
Identifies interaction between personal qualities and interests with academic activities and social opportunities
6.1B.36
Demonstrates awareness that personal qualities and interests affect decision-making
6.1B.46
Evaluates influence of personal qualities and interests on decision making
6.1C.16
Identifies personal strengths and limitations as they relate to specific activities
6.1C.26
Applies self-reflection techniques to recognize potential, strengths, and growth areas
6.1C.36
Implements a plan to build on strengths or address limitations
6.1D.16
Identifies areas of school and life that are within personal control
6.1D.26
Plans and develops an action plan to set and achieve short- and long-term goals
6.1D.36
Analyzes the short- and long-term outcomes between safe and responsible behavior versus risky and harmful behaviors on their health and well-being
6.1D.46
Explains the connection between choice and responsibility for the consequences involved if they engage in risky and harmful behaviors
6.1D.56
Recognizes, establishes, and adheres to personal boundaries and responsibilities
6.1E.16
Identifies positive peer/adult support when needed
6.1E.26
Evaluates the benefits of additional external supports when participating in extracurricular activities
6.1E.36
Recognizes outside influences on the development of personal traits and discerns whether they are supportive or non-supportive
6.2A.16
Maintains confidence during stress, emotional responses, or changing emotions
6.2A.26
Recognizes the affective behavioral responses to thoughts, emotions, and actions
6.2A.36
Reflects on possible consequences, both positive and negative, before expressing an emotion or behavior
6.2B.16
Designs action plans for achieving short-term and long-term goals and establishing timelines
6.2B.26
Identifies and utilizes potential resources for achieving goals (e.g., home, school, and community support)
6.2B.36
Sets a positive character goal
6.2B.46
Establishes criteria for evaluating personal and academic success
6.2B.56
Demonstrates goal-setting skills related to potential career paths
6.3A.16
Analyzes ways that a person’s emotions can be affected by the behavior of others
6.3A.26
Accepts and shows respect for other people’s perspectives, opinions, or points of view
6.3B.16
Explains how their decisions and behaviors affect the well-being of their school, home, and community
6.3B.26
Explores a community or global need to generate possible solutions
6.3B.36
Evaluates the impact of a school, home, or community initiative in which the student was personally involved
6.3C.16
Recognizes the value of cultures and social groups
6.3C.26
Analyzes how traditions and perspectives impact historical events
6.3C.36
Recognizes how beliefs are shaped by personal experiences
6.4A.16
Practices reflective listening
6.4A.26
Demonstrates ability to perform different roles in a cooperative group to achieve group goals
6.4A.36
Uses understanding of how and why others respond in a given situation (e.g., assertive, passive, or aggressive) in order to respond respectfully and effectively with others
6.4A.3.46
Identifies appropriate and inappropriate uses of social and other media and the potential repercussions and implications
6.4B.16
Distinguishes between helpful and harmful peer pressure
6.4B.26
Demonstrates strategies for resisting harmful peer pressure
6.4B.36
Is involved in positive activities with their peers
6.4B.46
Develops friendships based on personal values
6.4B.56
Identifies the impact of social media in developing and sustaining positive relationships
6.4B.66
Identifies the difference between safe and risky behaviors in a relationship
6.4C.16
Identifies the roles of individuals in conflict and understands one’s own responsibility in reaching resolution
6.4C.26
Develops self-awareness of their part and actions in creating conflict (e.g., spreading rumors, use of social media, wrongful accusations)
6.4C.36
Applies conflict resolution skills to deescalate, defuse, and resolve differences
6.4C.46
Identifies and accesses positive supports when needed in a conflict situation/crisis
6.5A.16
Stands up for other peers when they are teased, insulted, or left out
6.5A.26
Analyzes the reasons for school and societal rules and their impact on decisions
6.5A.36
Analyzes the impact of media on one’s behavior
6.5A.46
Explains how honesty, respect, and compassion (empathy) enable one to take the needs of others into account
6.5B.16
Identifies and applies the steps of systematic decision-making
6.5B.26
Develops decision-making strategies for avoiding risky behavior
6.5B.36
Defines how external influences impact decision-making
6.5B.46
Analyze how decision-making skills affect study habits and academic performance

Tennessee K–6 social-emotional learning standards

Tennessee’s other subjects