For both age groups, curiosity, creativity, corporation, tolerance and self efficiency were the highest self reported skills. Among the 15 year olds the Empathy was high and motivation was high among 10 year olds.
Students who are having high levels of persistence and higher course grades in both reading and maths. Those who reported having higher levels of emotional and social skills also reported facing less bullying at school. Having a greater sense of belonging and having a better relationship with family, neighbours and friends. In addition, 15 year old with high level of trust had better knowledge in maths.
When it came to chronic absenteeism defined as missing more than three weeks during an academic year 15 year olds who reported having high levels of cooperation, energy and emotional control were less likely to demonstrate chronic absenteeism, where as students reporting high levels of self control and assertiveness were more likely to.
Black and Hispanic 15 year olds who reported high levels of persistence of self control were less likely to experience exclusionary discipline as suspension of alternative education. But those who reported high levels of assertiveness were more likely to.
The researchers hope the series of studies will help to increase the importance of emotional and social skills and their connection to a host of outcomes for students.
So often we focus on grades and test scores said Erin Baumgartner, director of HERC. We hope this encourages people to think more holistically about the support students need to be successful in school and in their future career.
A Survey on emotional and social skills was conducted as a part of an international effort to shed light on the impact of such skills on academic outcomes, school discipline and absenteeism.
