Research overwhelming demonstrates the ways in which social and emotional learning is associated with improved classroom behavior, self-confidence/mental health, academic achievement, and long-term positive life outcomes. As a researcher/educator myself -- and one who is familiar with this research base -- I feel confident that these standards reflect evidence-based practice. As a parent (as well as an educator/researcher), my hope is that my own children will have an opportunity to learn the self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, decision-making knowledge/skills listed in this document -- in some ways, I see them as the MOST important skills that my children could learn during their time at school.