DeSantis administration's controversial policies spark education and civil rights concerns in Florida

Florida's education department has surveyed every school district about its use of materials for social-emotional learning (SEL) and related lessons, leading some districts to phase out materials designed to develop kids' personal and relationship skills. The educational model, which teaches skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and resilience, has become linked to critical race theory by conservatives who accuse schools of "woke indoctrination." Educators say similar rollbacks are happening across Florida, a trend reflected in a collection of records from some of the state's largest districts at a time when students' social and emotional well-being is especially fragile.