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National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development

Today’s youth must navigate a complex, economically competitive, and globally connected world. Yet the nation’s predominant approach to PreK-12 education fails to fully prepare students for this future. From the schoolhouse to the state house, we have emphasized the academic skills our students need. But overwhelming evidence demands that we complement the focus on academics with the development of the social and emotional skills and competencies that are equally essential for students to thrive in school, career, and life.

The Aspen Institute National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development is uniting leaders to re-envision what constitutes success in our schools. With the help of teachers, parents, and students in communities across the country, the Commission will explore how schools can fully integrate social, emotional, and academic development to support the whole student.


On January 15, 2019, the Commission released its final report and accompanying recommendations.

Drawing on input from more than 200 scientists, youth and parent groups, educators, and policymakers, the Commission’s final report, “From a Nation at Risk to a Nation at Hope,” seeks to accelerate and strengthen efforts to support the whole learner in local communities through recommendations for researchers, educators, and policymakers.

 

Latest Posts

Blog Posts

National Commission March Newsletter

Read the final Newsletter from the Commission as it officially sunsets this month.

March 15, 2019

Blog Posts

Social and Emotional Learning Are Vital to Education

The NCSEAD report “From a Nation at Risk to a Nation at Hope” explains why.

March 14, 2019

Blog Posts Publications

Calls for Coaches: Coaching Social and Emotional Skills in Youth Sports

This brief focuses on the critical role youth development organizations play in young people’s growth and development.

March 8, 2019

Blog Posts

National Commission February Newsletter

Read about the Commission’s landmark education report: “From a Nation at Risk to a Nation at Hope” and the highlights from the release event.

February 12, 2019

Blog Posts Publications

A Nation at Hope

An executive summary of the National Commission on Social, Emotional, & Academic Development’s “From a Nation at Risk to a Nation at Hope,” a full report of research, practice, and policy recommendations for supporting the whole learner.

January 19, 2019

Events

Blog for Education Week Hosted By the National Commission

The blog will feature voices from across the country on the successes and challenges of ensuring schools and communities support the social, emotional, and academic development of all students.

Social, Emotional, & Academic Development Fast Facts

See our infographic featuring some of the most important data on social, emotional, and academic development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about the Commission and its work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about the Commission and its work.