This report provides an overview and description of social and emotional learning (SEL) and service-learning (S-L) as tools to improve the lives and academic performance of students. It describes how the two practices are interrelated, and cites research evidence that supports the expanded use of both practices in the classroom. Also provided are…

Recent advances in neuroscience show clearly how experience can change brain neurochemicals, and how this in turn affects the way the brain functions. As a result, early negative events actually get built into the growing brain's neurochemistry, altering the brain's architecture. Research is continuing to investigate how children with genetic…

In nongraded, multi-age classrooms, children have the opportunity to learn a great deal from their more proficient classmates. Children in multi-age, nongraded programs often learn that children differ, and they learn to assist each other in productive ways. The organizational scheme has the potential to remove much of the competition of…

Extensive empirical research has documented the value of play for both cognitive and social development. In this collection, leading experts in play research, child development, and early childhood education examine recent policy decisions and demonstrate the importance of play in helping children learn basic literacy skills, social awareness,…

Once again, early education has emerged as a major policy and program topic. And, while the importance of early education is undisputed, the increasing calls for "Universal Preschool" and full-day kindergartens have yielded considerable controversy. Our specific interest in public policy for preschool programs stems from our concerns about…

Research on girls' development has found that girls see the world that coheres through human relationships rather than through systems of rules, and that 12 or 13 is a watershed age for girls, a time of "central relational crisis." As their bodies enter the physiological transformations that culminate in womanhood, they face an onslaught…

A kindergarten teacher used authentic assessment--assessments carried out during creative learning activities that document growth and support further learning--to evaluate the social and emotional growth of students. Prior to the implementation of authentic assessment, the teacher had not used any form of systematic observation, recording, or…

This document discusses a project designed to meet the need for increased self awareness and emotional well being of children in a school setting. The targeted population included kindergarten, third grade, and sixth grade students from a suburban middle class community in the Chicago area. Through a review of the literature and observations made…

Based on the formula of love, laughter, limits, and linkages, this book presents practical, parent-tested ways parents can help their adolescent children become emotionally intelligent. The book is presented in three parts. Part 1 concerns parent preparation for raising an emotionally intelligent teenager, discusses the importance of parenting by…

This textbook consolidates main findings across disciplines about individuals' development during the middle years. Twelve chapters are organized into three parts. The first three chapters explore development from the perspective of a historical/cultural period and within the context of dynamic social change and looks at theories of identity and…

This action research project sought to improve the social skills of targeted third-graders. The problem of students exhibiting a lack of social skills was documented by means of student discipline referrals, anecdotal records, and teacher surveys. Evidence indicated that students failed to solve conflicts in positive manners, were unable to work…

This book aims to provide counselors with the theoretical and technical basis needed for designing interventions that enhance relationships between children and teachers. It draws on research in social development and relationships-systems theory to describe the role of child-adult relationships in the development of social and academic…

This assessment and intervention guide features an assessment tool along numerous creative ideas to promote social and communication skills in children with autism. Practical background information on perspectives of autism and guidelines for designing and implementing intervention plans are included in the guide. The assessment, the Assessment of…

This proceedings focuses on "state-of-the-art" knowledge regarding social-emotional development, parenting issues, achievement issues, accelerative practices, individualized program planning, Alberta Education policies, educational technology, Dabrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration, and other issues as they related to the unique…

Research regarding the promotion or retention of students has shown consistently that non-promotion is not an aid to pupil achievement, personal development, or motivation. Alternative strategies for dealing with underachievers are discussed. (PP)