Res. No. 147
Title
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign A.7063/ S.5563, legislation regarding the creation of a pilot program to improve social and emotional learning in schools.
Body
By Council Members Dromm, Maisel and Ayala
Whereas, Social and emotional learning ("SEL"), also called whole-child education, is a systematic and evidence-based approach to teaching students integral skills, like understanding and managing emotions, setting and achieving goals, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and avoiding negative behaviors; and
Whereas, SEL provides an all-hands framework inviting educators, family members, school leaders, and community partners to coordinate, value, and support their students' social, emotional, and academic learning, connecting students with their world outside of school; and
Whereas, Education efforts focused on academic performance have for too long pushed SEL skills aside, but educators and researchers are beginning to understand that content knowledge alone is not sufficient to prepare students for life after high school whether students continue onto higher education or enter the workforce; and
Whereas, Passing standardized tests may not translate into future success, and studies show that when SEL is integrated into schools, students learn adaptive life skills that help their personal development as well as their academic performance, such as stress management, addressing mental and emotional health needs, making responsible choices, and contributing constructively to society; and
Whereas, SEL is a specific approach to education that aims to help all students, including those from vulnerable communities, become more active participants in their learning, more empowered and more engaged citizens in everyday life by teaching them how to empathize, collaborate, and resolve conflict; and
Whereas, SEL addresses risk factors that can ...
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