Requires education degree granting institutions to provide instruction in the social and emotional development and learning of children

Such curricula shall include instruction in the provision of comprehensive, coordinated mental health assessments, early intervention and treatment services to children.

Section 2. Requires social and emotional learning curriculum as condition of teacher certification.

Section 3. Makes the enactment date July 1, 2008 provided that all rules and regulations are in place.

Justification

Most discussions about American education have focused on the academic performance of students. Yet an overlooked and perhaps more vital component of education is social and emotional learning (SEL). And, the statistics are dramatic: 15% to 22% of the nation's youth experience social, emotional, arid mental health problems requiring treatment; 25% to 30% of American children experience school adjustment problems; and 14% of students 12-18 years of age report having been bullied at school in the past 6 months. A child who comes to school anxious, afraid, or alienated is a child whose ability to learn will be significantly diminished.

Thus, there is growing evidence that suggests that a key component in meeting educational goals for children and youth, academic as well as social, and helping all children reach their highest . potential is social and emotional learning. Social and emotional learning is the process through which children and adults develop the skills necessary to recognize and manage emotions, develop care and concern for others, make responsible decisions, form positive relationships, and successfully handle the demands of growing up in today's complex society.

Students of social and emotional learning have significantly better attendance records; their classroom behavior is more constructive and less often disruptive; they like school more; and they have better grade point averages. They are also less likely to be suspended or otherwise disciplined. Such proper classroom support can help close racial and economic achievement gaps. It is plainly obvious that such promising tools as SEL should be taught to prospective educators and used in classrooms. This simple observation - that the children, who are given clear behavioral standards and social skills, allowing them to feel safe, valued; confident and challenged, will exhibit better school behavior and learn more - is of monumental importance as we attempt to improve our state's public schools. We should not have to choose between academic achievement and the development of character. Rather we should concentrate on both. The time has come to help restore balance to our state's classrooms and establish benchmarks for social and civic learning.

The government of Singapore prioritized social and emotional learning in their education system nationwide. Singapore students lead the world in technical brilliance--year after year they score at the top of international science and math competitions. Yet the international business community in Singapore has made clear to the Ministry of Education that to be truly competitive and valued employees in the global work force, these same students need further training hi problem solving, coping with unexpected outcomes and set-backs, working effectively in the multi-racial work groups in which much of their work is carried out, and creativity. Singapore Ministry of Education scoured the globe for solutions--and decided their students needed SEL.

In New York State, teachers, graduating and certified to teach should be properly tooled to use and apply social and emotional learning.

Legislative history

2008 S.3895 Referred to Education 2007 S.3895 Referred to Education

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall become a law. Effective immediately, any rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be completed on or before such date.