HB 1473, prohibiting social/ emotional education in public schools, is being considered by the House Education Committee. I urge readers to contact their representatives and oppose this bill. I sent the sponsors and the committee leadership this message: “I have to wonder what the sponsors believe social/ emotional learning is. The extreme nature of this bill leads me to think it’s been presented as some “woke” conspiracy. In reality, social/ emotional learning refers to the skills that promote effective communication, cooperation and teamwork, respect for others, and emotional and behavioral self-control. Every workforce developer understands it’s these skills, more than any knowledge set, that predict success on the job in all fields of work.”

“As written, this bill would prevent kindergarten teachers from teaching students how to line up, listen to directions, wait their turn, respect one another’s personal space, and share fairly. How could they function in a classroom without those skills? How would coaches teach teamwork, sportsmanship, self-control, and respect for standards and rules, their teammates, and their opponents? These constitute what used to be called on report cards, “citizenship.” In my career working with students with emotional and behavioral challenges, I focused on these skills, because without them, they became socially isolated and fell behind academically. As they became more proficient, their achievement improved, and they were able to participate successfully in extra-curricular activities, which also contribute to academic success. Nothing about this bill makes sense, and I urge the committee to stop it from proceeding any further.”

Jean Lewandowski

Nashua