Emotional Intelligence & Social/Emotional Learning Standards

I found out this week that Illinois is the first, and maybe only,state to create learning standards for Social and Emotional Goals. These standards are right along side with the math, English, and other academic standards that schools are required to teach.

I think it is a very good thing that the academic world is beginning to fully recognize the importance of social and emotional skills, and its impact on academics.

The Illinois Learning Standards can be seen at this link. The Standards include the basic goals, and benchmarks for specific age groups.


I wish I had more energy to devote to writing about this topic, because I find the concept quite intriguing.

In addition to the official standards, the organization CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) has contributed considerable research into the topic, and how to teach social and emotional skills to children.

CASEL describes the standards with
Five SEL Competencies:

Self Awareness

• Identifying emotions
• Accurate self-perceptions
• recognizing strengths
• sense of self confidence
• self efficacy

Social Awareness

• Perspective taking
• Empathy
• Appreciating Diversity
• Respect for others

Self Management

• Impulse control
• Stress management
• Self discipline
• Self motivation
• Goal Setting
• Organizational Skills

Relationship Skills

• Communication
• Social Engagement
• Building relationships
• Working cooperatively
• Resolving conflicts
• Helping/seeking help

Responsible Decision Making

• Problem identification
• Situation analysis
• Problem solving
• Evaluation
• Reflection
• Ethical responsibility

I think it is wonderful to think of these learning standards as they apply to our kids, but the more difficult part of it is to think of these learning standards as they apply to ourselves. I imagine that will be the biggest challenge in implementing these standards in the schools as well. I would think that in order to create an environment in which SEL is supported and taught, teachers, administrators, and even the bus drivers and cafeteria workers will have had to put some thought into their own levels of emotional intelligence.

For more reading on the topic, I have seen the book Emotional Intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ by Daniel Goleman recommended, and he also has a website and blog.

If you have time to answer 106 questions, this handy little tool will tell you a magic number to describe your emotional intelligence. I'll tell you right now I scored slightly below average for my emotional IQ, and was offered an opportunity to purchase a comprehensive report about my score.

Whether you took the quiz or not, where are your strengths and weaknesses on the Five SEL Competencies?