The Problem The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened long-standing mental health challenges for students and staff alike, while highlighting the inequity in resources to deal with those problems. From 2019 - 87% increase in students seeking mental health services Nearly half of the schools surveyed do [...]
For over 40 years Conover has developed research-based SEL/soft skills assessments and skill building systems. We often have success stories from program administrators who run transition and work experience programs. These individuals are on the front lines helping their participants succeed in life and the workplace. These administrators understand [...]
The decisions you make now in setting up your environment and infrastructure will determine the future success (or failure) of your distance learning program for your staff and students. Last spring (when COVID-19 caught us all by surprise), it was acceptable for staff to fill in the gaps by [...]
A recent study was just released by Northwestern University’s Kirabo Jackson on the effect of soft skills vs test scores. This study demonstrates that schools that build social-emotional qualities are getting better short-term and long-term results for students than schools that only focus on improving test scores. https://hechingerreport.org/early-research-focuses-on-schools-that-develop-students-social-emotional-qualities/ This study [...]
Definition of Emotional Intelligence As the workplace adjusts to fewer people doing more work, new sets of skills are needed. Often there is no one around to supervise and direct the actions of others. Each worker must be able to work well with others, to direct their own work, and [...]
There has been much attention placed on social emotional learning (SEL) in the last few years. SEL is critical to the success of every person in our society. No doubt about it, improving SEL skills will result in more emotionally connected youth and adults. But is that enough to instill [...]
Many jobs require employees to work with customers or clients. Your students need to start developing their communication skills so they can successfully interact with customers when required to do so. The quality of customer service is an important factor clients consider when making decisions about where to shop or [...]
Communication is how people share ideas, knowledge, and information. Everyone has been a part of a team that doesn’t communicate well. It is very difficult to get things done when this is the case. It’s important that the lines of communication are open in order for a group to [...]
“We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.” ― Zeno of Citium This is a fairly common quote pertaining to good listening skills. It is no secret that good listening skills are essential for workplace success. In order for a team to [...]
Success in the workplace is not just determined by who works the hardest or does the "best job". Technical skills and knowledge are useful, but being able to build relationships with people is critical to succeeding in the workplace. Social skills are what enable people to talk to and connect [...]