The Importance of Social and Emotional Skills for Student Learning

gtl-logoMuch has been made in recent years about the importance of “grit” for student success and achievement. Grit has been a term that broadly includes such concepts as persistence, perseverance, and ability to overcome challenges. A new Policy Snapshot from GTL sheds light on how students can come by this crucial trait.

Employers and colleges want candidates who are motivated and adaptable, are able to work well in teams and communicate effectively, have strong work ethics, have solid interpersonal skills, and are strategic in their planning skills. In short, students need social and emotional skills to prepare them for work and for life.

The Center on Great Teachers and Leaders has released a new Policy Snapshot, Social and Emotional Skills for Life and Career: Policy Levers that Focus on the Whole Child (February 2015). It provides a summary of existing research about the effects of education on students’ social and emotional skills. The brief identifies important state and district policy considerations for initiating and integrating SEL, as well as for supporting and developing teachers and administrators to focus on the whole child.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.gtlcenter.org/sites/default/files/SEL_Policy_Levers.pdf

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