Students today must be prepared so that they are both successful academically and socially. We must prepare them to pass "life's tests" as well as academic tests. Social-emotional competence that includes strong 21st century life skills of teamwork, technical fluency, collaboration, perspective analysis, negotiations, compromise, adaptability, creative and critical thinking, and leadership and academic achievement are significantly related and should be integrated in our educational system. The 180º Program believes that the most innovative and effective educational systems are those that integrate both academics and social-emotional learning principles so to maximize youth learning in school and in society for a lifetime.
A growing body of empirical based research demonstrates that evidence-based SEL interventions are associated with academic achievement, health, and citizenship. The 180º Program and content are consistent with these evidence-based practices. Furthermore, the school system environment is the best place to foster and build a youth's values, personal character and life skills in addition to the home and community.
The 180º Program takes the position that social, emotional, and academic growth and learning are interdependent and the most effective learning environment is one that intentionally harnesses the "synergy" that results when all of these key components are blended together.