A meta-analysis published in the “Child Development” journal in 2011 found that schools focusing on social-emotional learning showed a notable 11-percent improvement in high-stakes achievement tests compared to schools lacking this emphasis. This analysis, which reviewed 213 school-based initiatives, highlights the profound influence that emotional intelligence can have on students’ academic success.
Additionally, a retrospective study spanning 20 years, featured in the “American Journal of Public Health” in 2015, demonstrated a significant link between the social-emotional skills of kindergartners and their achievements by the age of 25. According to this study, each additional point in social-emotional competency scores was associated with a 54-percent greater probability of graduating from high school, a doubled likelihood of earning a college degree, and a 46-percent higher chance of securing full-time employment by the age of 25.
As the job market evolves, there is an increasing demand for individuals who are not only critical and creative thinkers but also capable of collaboration, teamwork, and managing cross-cultural communications within a globalized economy. These vital abilities, such as empathy, understanding different perspectives, and social awareness, are integral components of social-emotional skills. Miller points out that these competencies have become key attributes sought by employers, making them indispensable for future workplace success.
Miller also notes that social-emotional intelligence comprises a set of skills that can be developed at any life stage, indicating that they are not inherent but rather flexible and subject to growth. He stresses that every child, no matter their socioeconomic or cultural background, stands to gain from nurturing these essential abilities. As such, providing support for the development of social-emotional skills is crucial for the comprehensive growth of children.