Since 2006, ASCD has worked to support educators, families, community members, and policymakers in implementing a whole child approach to education that ensures students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. The latest issue of ASCD's Policy Priorities examines how much progress has been made at the federal and state levels in creating more whole child–centered policies and practices, and shares insight from several education leaders and policymakers, including Rudy Crew, Oregon's chief education officer; Senator Al Franken (D-MN); former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville; and Council of Chief State School Officers President Tom Luna.
Although most of those leaders agree that the nation has become more mindful of the need to address the multiple factors that influence students' development, they acknowledge that there's much more work to be done. According to Crew, "We've got to understand that the real value proposition of education is not how well we did on a state test. [It's] how well the system is able to create a sustainable human being who understands how to critically think, analyze information, use manners in execution of daily tasks. How to be moral. NCLB was important, but not sufficient."
Senator Franken adds that the federal government can help provide resources for high-quality professional development for educators so they are better prepared to meet the needs of the whole child.
Read the full issue to learn more about the states that are leading the way in providing all students with a
