New Guide for SEL Published
The UIC News Bureau and online news services HealthCanal.com and Phys.org reported on the release of a new guide, "The 2013 CASEL Guide: Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs", co-authored by Roger Weissberg, NoVo Foundation Endowed Chair in Social and Emotional Learning, professor of education and LAS distinguished professor of psychology , that identifies educational programs enhancing preschool and elementary student success. Weissberg said programs in the guide have demonstrated that with supportive principals, regular professional development for teachers, and holistic rather than gradual implementation, social and emotional learning can improve the school environment and children's ability to learn academic concepts and skills.
Recent research indicates that addressing social and emotional skills not only improves behavior and reduces bullying, but also fosters academic achievement. Weissberg co-authored a 2011 review of more than
200 studies, which found that students who received social and emotional learning education improved on standardized achievement tests an average of 11 percentile points compared to students who did not receive such lessons.