Interest in social and emotional skills has been growing lately, as teachers look for new strategies to deal with problem behaviors. In his 1995 best-seller Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman argues, based on research in psychology, neurobiology, and other fields, that knowing how to manage one' s emotions is at least as important for success in life as intellect. DeFalco and her colleagues also were deeply concerned about the district's high rates of teen parenting, dropouts, and illegal drug use, all of which appeared to be closely linked to low academic achievement. Their results have been encouraging. While the study does not establish definite links between SEL and academic achievement, statistics for several academically related indicators have shown improvement.
Students also have a greater sense that there is respect for diversity within the schools.
Statistics about alcohol and drug use have essentially remained steady. Kids are fighting less, they report they are less sexually active, they feel happier and safer at school, and more want to go on to college. Results Encouraging but Limited Several recent larger studies of the effects of SEL programs also show promising results, but their findings require some qualification. Stephen N. Elliott, professor of educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin, conducted a study of 301 Responsive Classroom and control group students in the Springfield, MA, public schools. This creates the opportunity for more prosocial behaviors to replace some of the problem behaviors.