Teaching Social Skills to Improve Grades and Lives
A growing body of evidence has shown that social and emotional strengths in children and adults lead to school and life success. This article from the New York Times summarizes some of the key studies that support this claim, and argues that schools and teachers need to promote social and emotional skills in addition to academics. The article includes interviews with lead researchers in the field of social and emotional learning and school and district personnel who are implementing such programs in their schools.
This news article is a readable and accessible overview of the key research and institutions leading the work in social and emotional learning (SEL) in education. It offers an argument for the inclusion of SEL in schools, such as findings that show the economic value of social and emotional learning programs. What is most useful about this news article is reading the interviews from educators implementing SEL programs, and their reflections on implementation provide good insight for other schools and districts interested in such programs. Other helpful features of the article include links to studies and projects.