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Rating: 
Summary: Great book on social emotional learning...
Review: This is a companion to Cohen's other edited book, Caring Classrooms/Intelligent Schools. This book addresses an older group of youngsters in school--those passing into adolescence. The 12 chapters cover the theory of social emotional learning (SEL) in schools. A number of SEL curricula or projects are discussed, such as the Comer/New Haven project, the work from the Northeast Foundation for Children, a psychoanalytically informed educational perspective, the Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP), and others. This is not really a "how-to" book, any more than was Cohen's other book. Readers will benefit, however, because he systematically reviews SEL programs, and readers will be eager to pursue specific programs from among those referenced. I missed not seeing any work from Myrna B. Shure, who is a good cognitive-behavioral SEL practitioner (the "I Can Problem Solve" curriculum). Does her work not involve young adolescents? If not, that is a disappointment. SEL is important because we all 'swim' in a social environment. When that environment is caring and concerned, when students can make heart-informed choices, they 'swim' better and are said to learn better. We certainly know they are happier and appear more productive. I know many readers will gain a lot from this work, and the other related books in the SEL field. Good luck!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, important book for educators interested in SEL.
Review: This timely volume presents the range of ways that teachers can help students develop social-emotional skills and competencies. It is very practical and helpful. On one level, teachers have always done this. On another, new information, stratagies and research findings are presented here. Very helpful to "front line teachers" and I suspect, administrators too. It will also be of interest to parents who want to help thier kids feel better about themselves and more able!
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