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The social-emotional skills necessary for success in school and in life can be taught and reinforced in school.
Anyone walking through the main doors of Thomas Jefferson School is greeted by a poster: "The House of Learners: Where Dreams Are Born, Respect and Responsibility Rule, Caring Is Shown, and Leaders Are Grown." These are not mere words; they are the organizing principles for the integration of social, emotional, and academic learning at each grade level. Students are encouraged to dream and empowered to act. There is a focus on the process of discovery and experimentation in science, social studies, music, art, and writing. And students are asked what kind of school they would like to have and what they are willing to do to make it happen, and then they are given the chance to develop the skills they need to get involved. The same questions are asked about their community and the wider world in which they live. There is increasing evidence that students who attend such schools as Thomas Jefferson are more socialemotionally competent, are less likely to engage in violence and related problem behaviors, and are more academically engaged and successful (Durlak & Weissberg, 2005).
Social-Emotional Learning
When it comes to the impact of mental health on academic outcomes, the research is finally catching up with veteran teacher leaders' observations: developing social-emotional competence is key to success in school and in life.
SEL addresses the development of five key areas of social-emotional competence (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning [CASEL], 2003):
* Self-awareness: identification and recognition of one's own emotions, recognition of strengths in one's self and others, a sense of self-efficacy, and selfconfidence
* Self-management: impulse control, stress management, persistence, goal setting, and motivation
* Social awareness: empathy, respect for others, and the ability to see different perspectives of the same issue
* Relationship skills: cooperation, willingness to seek and provide help, and communication
* Responsible decision making: evaluation and reflection and personal and ethical responsibility.
Research shows that SEL has positive effects on academic performance; benefits physical health; improves citizenship; is demanded by employers; is essential for lifelong success; and reduces the risk of maladjustment, failed relationships, interpersonal violence, and substance abuse (Elias et al., 1997; Zins,...