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Report: A Nation at Hope

CEC strongly supports the recommendations released on Tuesday, January 15th by the Aspen Institute National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development. “From a Nation at Risk to a Nation at Hope” asserts that our nation is at a turning point: We now understand that social, emotional, and cognitive development underpin children’s academic learning. This breakthrough understanding about how people learn is fueling a growing movement to educate children as whole people, with social and emotional as well as academic needs.

“A Nation at Hope” emphasizes that translating knowledge about how people learn into practice and helping students develop skills like collaboration, empathy, and perseverance requires systemic change. It offers specific actions in research, practice, and policy to fundamentally shift how we teach children, with the understanding that the social, emotional, and cognitive dimensions of learning are mutually reinforcing rather than distinct.

Click here to read the full report

Jo Anderson, former CEC Co-Executive Director, said “This report further accentuates the work with which we engage in our partner schools and school districts. Every student deserves an opportunity to be set-up for success. When we look at the entire system and all of the elements involved, we have a better chance to positively influence the outcome.”

CEC, which is a partner of the Commission, is committed to advancing social, emotional, and academic development. Through our current work with the Partnership for Resilience and CASEL, CEC is on the forefront of helping educators and educational systems be more equipped to support all students.

What sets “A Nation at Hope” apart from other reports is the groundswell of support that has surged over the course of the Commission’s work and that now supports action across communities following its release. CEC is one of nearly 100 organizations that have signed on in support of the report’s conclusions and recommendations as part of an ever-widening coalition committed to advancing the work.

Drawing on input from more than 200 scientists, youth and parent groups, educators and policymakers, the report seeks to accelerate and strengthen efforts in local communities. These recommendations are especially pertinent as states and communities continue to leverage their increased authority on education policy under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. The report includes specific strategies that schools, districts, and communities can pursue related to each recommendation and examples of places that are engaged in these efforts.

The report also outlines evidence that confirms that supporting students’ social, emotional and academic development has a positive impact on their attendance, test scores, success in college and careers, and overall well-being. This approach also improves students’ feelings about school and makes schools safer.

More information, including a toolkit to communicate about social, emotional, and academic development, is available at NationatHope.org. To learn more about how CEC can help your community join this growing movement.

From its early beginnings in 1987, CEC has defined its work as assisting schools and districts by providing collaborative, capacity-building services. CEC builds collaborative structures, processes and cultures with and among key educational stakeholders, including the three anchors of a school district (union leaders, administrators and school boards) to transform educational systems to continuously improve learning and achievement for all students.

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For more information on how CEC can help, email: info@cecweb.org