This report offers seven suggestions for social and emotional learning (SEL) advocates and funders as they seek to deliver on SEL's promise and avoid its pitfalls. The case for SEL must not become an excuse to diminish attention to academic skills and knowledge or serve to deflect educators from the centrality of academic instruction. SEL will be counted a dismal failure if it encourages educators to settle for pillowy paeans to "happiness," "self-esteem," and "inclusivity" at the expense of harder things such as character, virtue, civility, and self-discipline.