Governor Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed the week of March 7-11, 2022, as G.U.I.D.E. for Life Week in Arkansas to celebrate the importance of social emotional learning.
All Arkansas students should graduate with a strong foundation of academic knowledge, experience, and proficiencies. To be successful, students also need an equally strong foundation of soft skills – those intangible abilities that help people get along with others, communicate well, and make positive contributions in the workplace and beyond.
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education has identified five guiding principles that support educators, business leaders, communities, and students in their efforts to help all Arkansans develop these critical skills. The principles represent skills needed to thrive at home, school, on the job, and in the community: Growth (manage yourself). Understanding (know yourself). Interaction (build relationships). Decisions (make responsible choices), Empathy (be aware of others).
The G.U.I.D.E. for Life program, with the support of Arkansas counselors and educators, is designed to give K-12 students a plan – a five-step process – that they can follow to achieve personal success. Each principle is summarized in easy-to-understand key words, with three action points to explain the idea. By incorporating the G.U.I.D.E. for Life concepts throughout the school experience, we can help instill these “real-world” skills for success in all Arkansas students. The result? Well-rounded citizens, stronger communities, and more effective employees. (https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/...)