Building Academic Success on Social and Emotional Learning: What Does the Research Say?

by Joseph E. Zins (Editor), Roger P. Weissberg (Editor), Margaret C. Wang (Editor)

In this groundbreaking book, nationally recognized leaders in education and psychology examine the relationships between social emotional education and school success--specifically focusing on interventions that enhance student learning. Offering scientific evidence and practical examples, this volume points out the many benefits of social emotional learning programs, including:

Building skills linked to cognitive development Encouraging student focus and motivation Improving relationships between students and teachers Creating school-family partnerships to help students achieve Increasing student confidence and success

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[John W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of research-based information regarding the benefits of social and emotional learning (SEL), especially in connection with academic growth, this text is a goldmine for anyone looking to justify, implement, or develop SEL based programs in their school (or other institutions). Each idea is clearly grounded and research, oftentimes multiyear, and across a wide range of schools and districts. Data backs each of the relevant findings throughout the text.

As for this text only earning four stars , one reason is that it is slightly dated (2004). A lot of the reform practices they suggest seem to be already occurring in one respect or another, at least in the NYC schools. For example, there is an emphasis on group work, reflection and student autonomy, all of which are emphasized as "highly effective" practices on the Danielson Rubric. Plus, I had hoped for more suggestions as to activities, rubrics, and other tasks that could be implemented as a means of growing SEL in my own classroom and school community. A few are present, but for the most part, chapters focus on reviewing programs that have already been implemented without the reader getting access to them.

Still, this text is a recommended read it for anyone interested in the field - actually, for the amount of research present in the book, it's really a necessary read for anyone hoping to understand the benefits of SEL.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offers good overviews and good case studies showing how these programs can be done.

[Jennifer Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This provides the research case for the critical importance of focusing on social and emotional learning in schools.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my textbooks for my SEL class that had to be read in its entirety quickly! I'm not a huge fan of research readings but this was important for the topic.