The Power of Pop Culture: Integrating Comics and Video Games into Social-Emotional Learning From the Perspective of a School Psychologist

In today's digital age, pop culture has become an integral part of the lives of many students. Comics, video games, and other forms of media have a significant impact on how students think, feel, and behave. This panel aims to explore the potential of using pop culture to enhance social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools from the perspective of a school psychologist(s), therapist(s) and teacher.

The discussion will focus on how therapists and school psychologists can integrate pop culture into their SEL practices to increase student engagement, improve outcomes, how to work with school administration and school psychologists and with a student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Panelist(s) will share their experiences and best practices in using comics and video games to promote empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills. They will also discuss how to navigate potential challenges such as cultural sensitivity, inappropriate content, accessibility and equity, misconceptions and stigma and how to work with the school and write IEP goals.

The session will be interactive, providing opportunities for attendees to ask questions, share their experiences, and learn from one another. By the end of the session, attendees will have a better understanding of how to effectively use pop culture in their SEL practices and create more meaningful connections with their students.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the potential benefits and limitations of using pop culture in social-emotional learning: Attendees will be able to describe the potential benefits of using pop culture, such as increased student engagement and motivation, as well as the potential limitations, such as accessibility issues and inappropriate content. They will also be able to identify how using pop culture can support specific SEL competencies, such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving in a student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
2. Develop strategies for integrating pop culture into SEL practices: Attendees will be able to develop strategies for integrating pop culture into their SEL practices with students, such as selecting appropriate media, designing interventions that align with specific SEL goals, and addressing potential challenges such as inappropriate content or accessibility issues. They will also be able to identify strategies for working with colleagues and parents to promote the use of pop culture in SEL practices in a student’s IEP. 
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of pop culture-based SEL interventions: Attendees will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of pop culture-based SEL interventions using appropriate measures, such as pre- and post-intervention assessments, student and teacher feedback, and observational data. They will also be able to identify how to adjust interventions based on this evaluation to improve outcomes for students in a student’s IEP. 
4. Address cultural sensitivity when using pop culture in SEL interventions: Attendees will be able to identify how to address cultural sensitivity when using pop culture in SEL interventions. This includes identifying potential cultural biases or stereotypes in media and selecting media that align with diverse cultural perspectives. Attendees will also be able to develop strategies for promoting cultural sensitivity in their interactions with students and colleagues, such as promoting cultural competency training and creating a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. Attendees will be better able to use pop culture in a way that is culturally sensitive and inclusive for all students.