SmartBrief – Caisa Pope
“The success of a school, district or educational program is often measured by how well students score on academic tests or whether they graduate on time. But as a school counselor, my experience says that these big-picture measures of success don’t tell the whole story. Every day there are countless non-academic lessons occurring in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias and counseling offices, which contribute to those “big picture” outcomes. I’m talking about those social and emotional lessons that provide the skills for students to get along with their peers, make responsible decisions and form bonds with their teachers. Teaching these skills alongside academics is referred to as teaching the “whole child” and helps build the foundation for students to be successful in academics, and in life.”(more)