Shut Downs, Stalemates, and Emotional Intelligence

As you probably know, Congress passed a bill last night to reopen the government and avoid a default on our debt. Looking at this ordeal as a former high school teacher, I’m reminded that in our technology-driven world, people skills matter most.

Our ideological dilemmas won’t ever be solved by machines. Students who learn to collaborate and negotiate — on Capitol Hill, in the board room, in everyday life — will outperform peers who have higher test scores.

Many educators worry that the new Common Core Standards won’t give teachers time to develop emotional intelligence in their students. But great teachers are figuring out how to accomplish both. Some use the Speaking and Listening standards to integrate debate into their curriculum. Others teach nonfiction reading standards with team research projects or invite students to work together to tackle tough math problems. These teachers are finding new ways to fold emotional intelligence into their daily instruction, even as they simulate the academic rigor of college.

Armed with both academic and social skills, their students can avoid stalemates like the one we just endured.