Educational Insights 3.3.2014

Educational Insights 3.3.2014
Posted on 03/03/2014

          The ACES trainings stress the need for today’s students to be taught social and emotional skills with a research-based curriculum. The district is using, “Second Step: Skills for Social and Academic Success” in grades K-8.

          The Second Step program promotes school success, school connectedness, and a safe and respectful school climate. Each week, homeroom teachers spend an instructional period directly teaching students these social and emotional skills that can strengthen their ability to learn, manage emotions, have increased empathy, and solve problems.

          The curriculum focuses on helping students to prevent problem behaviors, peer rejection, impulsivity, antisocial behavior, and low academic achievement. Students are taught self-regulation skills, social-emotional competencies, and school connectedness during the Second Step lessons.

          Students who self-regulate are better able to participate in and benefit from classroom instruction. Second Step provides common vocabulary across all the grades and teaches students proactive strategies that help prevent strong emotions from escalating into negative behaviors. Students are taught skills for identifying emotions in themselves and others. Being able to feel or understand what another person is feeling prepares students to manage their own emotions and solve interpersonal problems with others.

          Our mission addresses preparing students to be successful adults in the society. This professional development and program furthers our efforts to help all children experience success! Be watching for more about these skills on our school calendars and website. We welcome your feedback and input to help make our schools safer and more welcoming to all!

-Dr. Paula Sissel

[email protected]

Garden County Schools

Superintendent/Elementary Principal