Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 5635 | WWW.CAPSS.ORG Why is this important? We live in a world of increasing stressors. Unlike previous generations, today’s students are less protected from the world. They are inundated by social media with cyber-bullying, a violent 24-hour news cycle, and constant pressure to conform to unrealistic stereotypes of masculinity and femininity. As parents work longer hours,31 students need additional guidance and support from schools around developing social and emotional skills – and interventions to avoid a crisis. This can both help students manage stress and to develop positive social interactions, but evidence suggests that emotional intelligence is a better predictor of success than intellectual aptitude.32 But the two abilities are linked: without social and emotional intelligence, it can be difficult to focus on academics. SEL helps students develop self-control, social awareness and group participation skills, and strategies for making decisions and solving problems – and using these skills when under stress.33 SEL programs are linked to improved academic achievement, improved attendance, and reductions in dropout rates.34 Like other important skills, social and emotional intelligence is most effective when integrated into core learning activities: teaching students to work in teams, to effectively communicate their opinions, and to actively listen to peers. Further social and emotional skills are learned over time, so schools should begin SEL in kindergarten and develop those skills over the 13 years of schooling.35 The vision All students graduate from Connecticut schools with the social and emotional skills to thrive in postsecondary education, career, and citizenship. Schools provide social and emotional learning (SEL) and, when students have behavioral and mental health issues, schools work closely with community organizations to address students’ needs. Social and Emotional Learning 35 | WWW.CAPSS.ORG