Importance of Intervention

As a special education teacher, Intervention is a major part of my job. When most people think of intervention they usually think of academic deficits. However, Intervention can be used for so many other needs! In my classroom, most of my students receive intervention in social, emotional, or behavioral skills. To me, these are where young students in the primary grades need the most development and monitoring. "Research shows that SEL not only improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points, but it also increases prosocial behaviors (such as kindness, sharing, and empathy), improves student attitudes toward school, and reduces depression and stress among students" (Weissberg, 2016). This data is so important when considering the implications on their education for years to come. Something as simple as teaching a child how to make friends and follow directions could significantly impact their entire lives. Especially considering the level of stress and depression among students in the US now, these skills are essential to helping students achieve their better selves for years to come. And this is only when considering social and emotional intervention. Can you imagine the results of applying this instruction to all students? 

References
Weissberg, R. (2016, February 15). Why Social and Emotional Learning Is Essential for Students. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-sel-essential-for-students-weissberg-durlak-domitrovich-gullotta