Virginia Regulatory Town Hall View Comments

Department of Education

State Board of Education

Guidance Document Change: The 2020 Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 753 directing the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to develop guidance standards for social emotional learning (SEL) for all public students in grades Kindergarten through 12 in the Commonwealth. The Virginia Social Emotional Learning Standards were developed in collaboration with an SEL Advisory Committee, composed of educators, community leaders, agency personnel, and parents. The Virginia SEL Standards are aligned with the Profile of a Virginia Graduate and centered in equity. This intentional focus allows the Standards to explicitly teach the skills needed to be “life ready” and to create more equitable learning environments.

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5/19/21 3:26 pm

Commenter: Chilling speech concerns

Concerned Parent

I do not wish for a school system to impose "positive" communication expectations on my children. While I may not like whining or complaining, I believe children are entitled to authentic speech. If anything, schools ought to encourage truthful communication and open dialogue. Under no circumstances do I expect my children to have "positive" relationships with bullies, nor sugar coat an allegation for the sake of appearing positive. I believe this competency is deeply misguided and has the potential to chill speech/ reporting.

strategy to RELATIONSHIP SKILLS ? ReS1: Apply positive verbal and non-verbal communication and listening skills to interact with others, form and maintain positive relationships, and resolve conflict constructively. (Communication)

CommentID: 98594