"Intelligence plus character: that is the goal of true education." Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Above all it is expected that the attention of the instructors to the disposition of the minds and morals of the youth… knowledge without goodness is dangerous, … both united form the noblest character and lay the sweet foundation of usefulness to mankind" Dr. John Phillips, 1781

Social-Emotional learning in the schools have been found to improve students' positive behavior and reduce negative behavior, such as:

Higher scores on standardized testing (11-17% increase)

Improved students' social-emotional skills, attitudes about self and others, connection to school, and positive social behavior

Reduced conduct problems and emotional distress

www.casel.org

HR 2437 Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning Act

Bipartisan legislation supporting students' development through social and emotional learning has been introduced to the 112th Congress by Representatives Judy Biggert (R‐IL), Dale E. Kildee (D‐MI), and Tim Ryan (D‐OH).

The Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning Act of 2011, HR 2437 will expand the availability of programs that teach students skills such as problem‐solving, conflict resolution, responsible decision-making, relationship building, goal‐setting, and self discipline.

www.casel.org

Bullying statistics

Over half, about 56 percent, of all students have witnessed bullying at school.

A reported 15% of all students who don't show up for school report it to being out of fear of being bullied while at school.

There are about 71% of students that report bullying as an on-going problem.

Along that same vein, about one out of every 10 students drops out or changes schools because of repeated bullying.

Some of the top years for bullying include 4th through 8th graders in which 90 percent were reported as victims of some kind of bullying.

Nearly 30 percent of students are either bullies or victims of bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home from school every day because of fear of bullying

Bullyingstatistics.org