Thanks to a $2 million matching grant donated by the Buena Vista Foundation, the Klein Family Foundation and the Tapestry Foundation, the Austin Independent School District will be able to expand its Social and Emotional Learning Initiative. The program works with local students to master social skills that will help them even after they leave school. Participating elementary schools highlight a 45 percent decrease in disciplinary referrals. In middle and high schools, the number is 29 percent. “We are grateful for this pledge and the generous support from our partners,” AISD Superintendent Paul Cruz said in a Wednesday release. “SEL skills, such as setting and achieving goals, empathy, problem solving and self-awareness, are skills our kids need to succeed in college, career and life. These are critical for success in a 21st Century workforce.” The funds will go to additional training and staff.
AISD to expand Social and Emotional Learning program
