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Past Event

Ready to be counted? Incorporating noncognitive skills into education policy

Past Event

Ready to be counted? Incorporating noncognitive skills into education policy

Martin R. West, Chris Gabrieli, Rick Miller, Richard Barth, Kaya Henderson, John King, and Grover J. “Russ” Whitehurst

Mounting evidence confirms that skills not directly measured by tests of academic achievement are critical for students’ success in school, careers, and life.  This suggests that so-called noncognitive skills (otherwise referred to as social-emotional skills, soft skills, or even character) should be incorporated into education policy, particularly given the current emphasis on ensuring that all students complete high school ready for college and careers. Meanwhile, districts, schools, and teachers are not waiting for guidance; they are investing substantial time and resources in efforts to develop students’ noncognitive skills without the benefit of an organizing policy framework. Amidst this activity, a handful of school systems and charter management organizations stand out due to their coordinated, structured approaches to cultivating students’ noncognitive skills – offering potential models for the field as a whole. 

On March 31, the Brown Center on Education Policy hosted an event examining the evidence on noncognitive skills and alternative approaches for policymakers seeking to incorporate them into K-12 education policy. The event featured two presentations that provide case studies of these approaches in practice and featured expert commentators who responded to the presentations and offered their perspectives on the research base and policy considerations.

Follow the conversation on Twitter using #SEL.

Agenda

The research case and prospects for policymaking

Martin R. West

Associate Professor of Education - Harvard University

Case studies: CORE Districts and KIPP

Expert commentary

J

John King

Senior Advisor Delegated Duties of Deputy Secretary of Education - U.S. Department of Education

Panel and audience discussion

Martin R. West

Associate Professor of Education - Harvard University

More Information

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