I am writing to object to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) initiative to propose an education curriculum that oversteps parental authority with its “Virginia Social Emotional Learning Standards” (SEL) – which is an ill-defined education initiative that emphasizes skills like how to resolve conflicts or respect diverse views, and encourages policies that strive to meet students’ non-academic needs.  While parts of it sound good, the reality is SEL is a form of groupthink that forces children to adopt a socialistic worldview in place of individual critical thinking.  The Virginia’s public school system seems more interested in usurping Virginia parents than simply teaching children subjects that parents actually delegate schools to teach, like math and science.  I am opposed to these draft guidance standards and ask that you do not put them into effect.  Thank you for your time.  Ronald Ford