Recent episodes of school violence have focused attention on “quick fix”

solutions, but the answer doesn’t lie in equipping schools with metal

detectors. We must help students develop the skills to manage their

emotions, resolve conflict nonviolently, and respect differences. Such

skills add up to what is known as emotional intelligence, and they are

even more important as educators realize that these skills are critical

to academic achievement.

Emotionally intelligent individuals stand out. Their ability to

empathize, persevere, control impulses, communicate clearly, make

thoughtful decisions, solve problems, and work with others earn them

friends and success. They tend to lead happier lives with more

satisfying relationships. At work, they are more productive, and they

spur productivity in others. At school, they perform better on

standardized tests and help create a safe, comfortable classroom

atmosphere that makes it easier to learn.

The staff and I have recently reviewed a New Emotional intelligence

video titled Emotional Intelligence-Social and Emotional Learning in the

Classroom produced by the George Lucas Educational Foundation

1-415-507-0399. Cost of the video is $12.

The video shows 3 different schools with programs in social and

emotional training. Patrick Daly School in Brooklyn, New York Resolving

Conflict creatively, Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood New Jersey with a program

of school wide social emotional development, and a New Haven Conn. social

development program to address key social problems hindering academic performance.

– George Lucas Educational Foundation