Teaching

Emotional Learning Promoted in Bill

By Debra Viadero — December 15, 2009 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

Supporters of social and emotional learning are beginning to have friends in high places.

U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee and colleagues from both sides of the political aisle introduced a bill last week that is designed to promote school-based social-development programs. The measure, H.R. 4223, calls for a national technical-assistance and training center, programming grants, and a national evaluation of school-based social-learning.

“By making social and emotional leaning part of every child’s education, we are giving the next generation the skills they need for productive and confident lives,” said Mr. Kildee, D-Mich. His co-sponsors are Reps. Judy Biggert, R-Ill., and Tim Ryan, D-Ohio.

Mr. Kildee, the chairman of the House subcommittee on early-childhood, elementary, and secondary education, unveiled his bill at a meeting of the Collaborative for Social and Emotional Learning, or CASEL, a Chicago-based group.

The group also heard from John Q. Easton, the director of the Institute of Education Sciences, the research arm for the U.S. Department of Education. He told participants that while “nothing is set in stone,” he is sympathetic to their cause.

“Teachers are much more willing to innovate when they trust their colleagues,” he said, “and that also makes it easier to develop trust between teachers and children.

“I’m willing to bet that also leads to improved social and emotional learning in schools,” Mr. Easton said.

New interest in students’ social development stems from an accumulating body of research showing that school-based efforts to teach children to manage their emotions, make responsible choices, resolve disputes, and develop values yield academic payoffs as well. School systems in Anchorage, Alaska; Louisville, Ky., New York City, and elsewhere already integrate such lessons throughout their curricula.

Last weeks meeting also drew supporters from the entertainment world. Actress Goldie Hawn came in her role as president of the Santa Monica, Calif.-based Hawn Foundation, and Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary led participants in an impromptu rendition of “This Little Light of Mine.” Mr. Yarrow is also the founder of Operation Respect, a New York City group that works to promote safe, respectful school environments.

A version of this article appeared in the December 16, 2009 edition of Education Week as Emotional Learning Promoted in Bill

Events

Student Well-Being Webinar After-School Learning Top Priority: Academics or Fun?
Join our expert panel to discuss how after-school programs and schools can work together to help students recover from pandemic-related learning loss.
Budget & Finance Webinar Leverage New Funding Sources with Data-Informed Practices
Address the whole child using data-informed practices, gain valuable insights, and learn strategies that can benefit your district.
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Classroom Technology Webinar
ChatGPT & Education: 8 Ways AI Improves Student Outcomes
Revolutionize student success! Don't miss our expert-led webinar demonstrating practical ways AI tools will elevate learning experiences.
Content provided by Inzata

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Teaching Opinion How to Manage Emotional Distress in the Classroom
Four strategies for bringing student-centered instruction to your classroom.
Kareem Farah
5 min read
Illustration of a group of individual students in an abstract textural background
Education Week + DigitalVision Vectors + iStock/Getty Images
Teaching Should Schools Assign Summer Homework? Educators Weigh In
It turns out that educators have differing and more nuanced ideas on whether students of all ages should get summer homework assignments.
6 min read
Young girl reading a book while lying on her back on a wooden beam at a wooden dock at the lake.
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion Beyond the Curriculum: Educators Reflect on Racism, Democracy, Purpose
What's the point of school? It does all and none of the things expected of the education system, one teacher concludes.
13 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty
Teaching Opinion 'Who Is Our Customer?' and Other Questions Teachers Are Asking
Issues of vital importance—effective curricula, the achievement gap—confront educators. Remedies are out there, but they aren't simple.
10 min read
Images shows colorful speech bubbles that say "Q," "&," and "A."
iStock/Getty