I think the standards are appropriate and vitally important to our current education system. The purpose of education is to prepare students for successful and meaningful adult lives. Without these social-emotional skills, they will struggle in all aspects of life. These do not come naturally, therefore instruction and practice are needed. Employers have frequently complained that workers lack "soft skills". They are willing and able to teach job skills, but cannot keep employees who lack the social-emotional skills to be successful in employment. Teaching these in the school setting allows students opportunities to practice and engage with a variety of children and adults, something that is not possible in the home. Thank you for addressing this in our education system in VA!