Press Releases

Social Skills Help Austin Students Overcome the Odds

New mini-documentary shows district’s focus on social-emotional learning is paying off

AUSTIN—Austin Independent School District (AISD) discovered something a few years ago that many people are just realizing: Teaching social-emotional skills can help their schools become better places and their students become better learners. AISD’s dedication to social-emotional learning (SEL) has been documented in a short film, released today.

The film, titled Austin ISD: A District Embracing SEL, was produced by Seattle nonprofit Committee for Children and tells the story of AISD’s five-year initiative to implement social-emotional learning—including Committee for Children’s research-based Second Step program—in every school. The documentary also shows the positive results AISD is already seeing from the initiative.

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Bullying Prevention Program Garners High Ratings from Federal Agency

Steps to Respect: A Bullying Prevention Program now listed in National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices

SEATTLE – The US Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that <a…<></a…<>

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Youth Gather for Safer Internet Day

Seattle-based nonprofit joins ConnectSafely.org to help make the Web a safer place for kids

SEATTLE – It’s a paradox we’re all too familiar with: The Internet can be both a wonderful tool and a risky place, especially for children and youth. What better way to make it safer than to bring youth into the conversation?…

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Social-Emotional Learning Helps Prevent Bullying

New article shows research link between better social skills and bullying prevention

SEATTLE – More research is showing that social-emotional learning (SEL) can be an effective tool in bullying prevention, according to an article recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Theory into Practice.

The article, titled…Read More


When Does Bullying Begin?

The foundations for bullying are laid sooner than we think

SEATTLE — News stories about bullying often involve middle school or even high school students. But is that really when these negative behaviors start? Research indicates that the answer is “no,” which is why a new bullying prevention program released this…Read More


New Law Will Protect Children of Washington State

Governor signs bill to prevent sexual abuse, trafficking

Olympia – Lawmakers and child advocates are gathering at the Washington State capitol today to witness Governor Jay Inslee sign <a…<></a…<>

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Teachers the World Over Face the Same Issues

Social-emotional skills prepare all students for school, life

Seattle – Psychologists, researchers and educators from around the globe will gather in Seattle early next week to discuss the importance of teaching social-emotional skills to children of all cultures. The meeting will be hosted by nonprofit Committee for Children, who developed the Read More


Making Social Skills Every Child’s Primary Language

Second Step program’s Spanish translation increases accessibility of crucial skills

Seattle – More and more experts agree that social-emotional learning (SEL) is vital to children’s education and to their success later in life, and Seattle-based nonprofit Read More