Jackson Public Schools Advances Culturally Responsive SEL Through Sankofa Chronicles
Jackson Public Schools (JPS) continues to demonstrate thoughtful leadership in student development through its partnership with The Sankofa Chronicles. The district’s early engagement with the initiative reflects a shared commitment to culturally responsive learning, educator support, and the social and emotional growth of students.
Rooted in the African principle of Sankofa—the idea that we look to the past to inform the future—The Sankofa Chronicles integrates storytelling, reflection, and multimedia learning to support social and emotional learning (SEL) in meaningful ways. Rather than treating SEL as a separate program, the curriculum connects identity, culture, and lived experience to core SEL competencies, making the learning both relevant and practical for today’s classrooms.
On December 6, 2025, JPS educators participated in professional learning sessions that introduced the Sankofa Chronicles curriculum and implementation framework. These sessions focused on building educator capacity around the five core SEL competencies while providing teachers with access to a robust digital resource library, coaching support, and structured classroom tools.
Educators are earning professional learning hours and stipends as they prepare to integrate the curriculum into advisory periods, English Language Arts, social studies, and other instructional spaces.
At its core, The Sankofa Chronicles supports students in developing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These competencies are essential not only for academic success but for building positive school culture and strengthening student-teacher relationships.
What distinguishes the work in Jackson Public Schools is the district’s collaborative approach to implementation. Educators are not simply adopting materials; they are engaging in dialogue, offering feedback, and helping shape how the curriculum meets the needs of their students and school communities.
The early success of The Sankofa Chronicles in Jackson Public Schools highlights what is possible when districts invest in SEL that honors culture, history, and student voice. By pairing professional learning with culturally grounded content, JPS is creating space for educators to support students holistically—academically, socially, and emotionally.
As the partnership continues, insights from Jackson educators will help inform future implementation and expansion, contributing to a growing body of work focused on strengthening learning environments through culturally responsive SEL.The Sankofa Chronicles is proud to partner with Jackson Public Schools as this work continues to take shape—supporting educators, engaging students, and reinforcing the importance of connection, reflection, and belonging in education.