Mandate Social Emotional Learning in All Schools
Mandate Social Emotional Learning in All Schools
The Issue
Currently, I live in Boston, MA, and with so many shootings and violence as another pandemic, I am compelled to reach out to everyone. As part of an international network of experts on violence prevention and trauma recovery, we have seen the transformative power of the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP). Originally used in prison settings, AVP is a noncoercive, nonviolent conflict resolution regimen that has been adopted in many schools.
Mandating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) along with ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and trauma recovery workshops can significantly reduce violence and suicide rates among students. Studies show that SEL programs can lead to a 10% increase in academic performance while decreasing emotional distress by 20% (source: CASEL).
When tailored to school settings, AVP emphasizes student empowerment, relationship building, and anger management over institutional control and surveillance.
AVP has become an integral part of our prevention and intervention efforts in some school districts, particularly for students facing challenges involving violence and disengagement from school.
Philadelphia saw a 90% reduction in violence and police calls. (Serious police calls went from 138 per year to 15.) Philadelphia-schools
Santa Barbara Unified School District data for students who participate in AVP workshops shows an 88% reduction in suspensions, 64% reduction in fights, 42% reduction in truancy, 33% reduction in office referrals, and a 19% increase in grades. What is noteworthy is the low instance of recidivism related to violence after participation in the program.
These workshops help students develop important social and emotional skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and decision-making. These skills are vital for success in both school and in life. The workshops also help students connect to caring adult mentors and positive peer mentors and create a community of connection and belonging.
We urge Massachusetts to lead by example by implementing these programs statewide. Your signature can help make our schools safer for all children. Sign this petition today!
Learn more
Building Our Lives Together As One
130
The Issue
Currently, I live in Boston, MA, and with so many shootings and violence as another pandemic, I am compelled to reach out to everyone. As part of an international network of experts on violence prevention and trauma recovery, we have seen the transformative power of the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP). Originally used in prison settings, AVP is a noncoercive, nonviolent conflict resolution regimen that has been adopted in many schools.
Mandating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) along with ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and trauma recovery workshops can significantly reduce violence and suicide rates among students. Studies show that SEL programs can lead to a 10% increase in academic performance while decreasing emotional distress by 20% (source: CASEL).
When tailored to school settings, AVP emphasizes student empowerment, relationship building, and anger management over institutional control and surveillance.
AVP has become an integral part of our prevention and intervention efforts in some school districts, particularly for students facing challenges involving violence and disengagement from school.
Philadelphia saw a 90% reduction in violence and police calls. (Serious police calls went from 138 per year to 15.) Philadelphia-schools
Santa Barbara Unified School District data for students who participate in AVP workshops shows an 88% reduction in suspensions, 64% reduction in fights, 42% reduction in truancy, 33% reduction in office referrals, and a 19% increase in grades. What is noteworthy is the low instance of recidivism related to violence after participation in the program.
These workshops help students develop important social and emotional skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and decision-making. These skills are vital for success in both school and in life. The workshops also help students connect to caring adult mentors and positive peer mentors and create a community of connection and belonging.
We urge Massachusetts to lead by example by implementing these programs statewide. Your signature can help make our schools safer for all children. Sign this petition today!
Learn more
Building Our Lives Together As One
130
The Decision Makers
Petition created on May 19, 2024