KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Social Learning

Is there a relationship between teaching kids how to navigate their relationships and better grades? It turns out that there is.  New research shows that educating children about how to get along with others and how to manage their emotions can significantly improve grades and test scores.  Researchers from Loyola University and the University of Illinois studied more than 200 social and emotional programs in schools nationwide.  Their conclusion is that when kids are taught how to behave, their academic performance also improves.  Experts say schools should find a well-designed program that teaches internal motivation and interpersonal relationship skills.  It isn't the type of program schools were originally designed to offer, but when society breaks down, schools many times have to deal with the aftermath.  Many times schools find social workers to create character education programs.  Local, state and public offices offer similar programs as well.  If your children's school does not offer such a program, experts recommend that parents emphasize strong values at home.