Session on States and Districts Support Social and Emotional Learning and Continuous School Improvement Under ESSA

Congressional Members and the Learning Policy Institute Host Session on States and Districts Support Social and Emotional Learning and Continuous School Improvement Under ESSA

Tuesday, July 10, 2017 – Senator Chris Murphy (CT) and Rep. Tim Ryan (OH-13) along with Dr. Linda Darling Hammond and the Learning Policy Institute hosted a congressional briefing on  How Can States and Districts Support Social and Emotional Learning for Continuous School Improvement Under the Every Student Succeeds Act?
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, states and districts have an opportunity to broaden their definitions of student success to include students’ social and emotional learning (SEL)—the foundation for academic and life success. Well-implemented programs designed to foster SEL are associated with positive outcomes, ranging from better test scores and higher graduation rates to improved social behavior. SEL competencies include such skills as the ability to collaborate or make responsible decisions; mindsets, such as thinking positively about how to handle challenges; and effective habits, such as coming to class prepared.

With remarks by both Senator Chris Murphy and Congressman Ryan, the session, moderated by Linda Darling-Hammond, President and CEO, Learning Policy Institute included:

• Victoria Blakeney, Education Program Professional, State of Nevada Department of Education
• Leticia Guzman Ingram, Teacher, Basalt High School, Basalt, CO and 2016 Colorado Teacher of the Year
• Hanna Melnick, Research and Policy Associate, Learning Policy Institute
• Stephan Turnipseed, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Destination Imagination

Panelists discussed the importance of having school climate that nurtures and heals, one that gives students the feeling that they “belong”.

Panelists also addressed how and why social and emotion learning matters to the business community and how social and emotional skills are now required for every skill set in the workforce.