Social Skills - read this for an intersting idea!

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Home : 2004 : March : 20

Social Skills - read this for an intersting idea!
By Sue

(I posted this message in the middle of another thread but I wanted to get the idea out for discussion in a brand-new thread)

Here's a thought: In public schools, we all agree that social skills must be taught. Even though
we have counselors, the majority of it falls squarely onto the teacher's shoulders, in addition to all the other gagillion things required.
How come schools don't have positions where teachers can teach this in a classroom format on a daily basis, just like any other subject? We have seperate art, music and p.e. classes, so why don't schools have a daily skills class taught with

a specific year-long curriculum plus scope and sequence?

Again, there a counselors and specialists, but inversely, would an district in their right mind expect 1 or 2 teachers to teach an entire math curriculum campus wide? Of course not. So why do we expect that counselors and specialists are the only available resource?

Sure, everyone thinks its a matter of cost for an extra teacher, or factoring it into the daily schedule without losing state-mandated classroom hours, but I think that a progressive school district could somehow incorporate it financially and logistically. I think ALOT of teachers would appreciate such a position so they know students will be getting a specific social skills curriculum like any other subject. Hmmmm... It's a relatively simple concept in itself.... but I guess red tape blocks the way, huh?

Maybe what we need then is state-mandated legislation that this be included into core content areas. Would it be unrealistic to get in touch with representaives to pass such an education bill? With so many lgeal mandates, I'm sure this is one teachers could learn to live with. What do you all think??????????? Do any school districts actually do something like this??

I hope this doesn't sound too idealistic but its a thought.