Children today live in a more complex, economically competitive, and globally connected world, and while academic skills have been appropriately emphasized, the social and emotional dimensions of human development have been left behind in both policy and practice.

 

While it is imperative that students learn to read, write, and do math, it is equally important to master other skills, like self-control, empathy, teamwork, and problem solving to succeed in school and be prepared for life in a demanding 21st century world.