CHILDREN DON’T LEARN IN A VACUUM

Amendment 32 to HB 1002 would drop the requirement that teachers be trained in social emotional learning, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care.  The amendment also removes the evaluation of  “social, emotional, and behavioral functioning” from the responsibilities of a school psychologist. 

While this is not a ban, this is the removal of a best practice for the sake of the legislature’s general desire to deregulate (HB 1002 is a deregulation bill). It is unacceptable to strike best practices from Indiana code. 

Children cannot learn readily if they are not able to regulate their emotions and pay attention to instruction. Children cannot learn well if they are dealing with the effects of trauma and stress. This is not extra, this is science. Evidence-based pedagogy demands that we see the whole child in teaching and learning. 

The author of the amendment, Senator Gary Byrne said in committee, “Teachers should focus on academic rigor, math, science, reading, and writing, technical skills, instead of this emotional regulation, empathy, and etcetera,” Byrne said. “Teachers are not therapists, nor should they be treated as such. Licensed mental health professionals are better equipped to handle the social-emotional aspects of a student’s life.”

Indiana educators and families would love for the state legislature to address the fact that our student-to-counselor ratio is dead last in the nation. The fact is that all teachers need the resources and ability to address student behavior and conflict in the classroom. Kids need their basic needs met before the basics can be taught. 

Contact your State Senator and Representative and tell them that Amendment 32 needs to be removed from HB 1002. Here are a few reasons:

1. Training in social emotional learning, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care are best practices. It makes no sense to deregulate best practices.
2. Businesses need employees with emotional intelligence. These best practices help shape future adults that are ready to work with others and handle complex tasks. 
3. Let’s continue to ensure all Hoosier teachers are provided the tools for their toolbox to address student behavior and emotions in order for kids to be ready to learn.

 Find legislators

Call the Statehouse

If you would like to do more and reach out to additional legislators, consider the following individuals:

Crider
Leising
Koch
Freeman
Glick
Becker
Tomes
Alting
Bassler
Bohacek
Dernulc
Charbonneau
Niemeyer
Mishler
Donato
Greg Walker
Behning

*As always, please remember the following guidelines when reaching out to legislators:

• Remember to be polite and kind in your language and tone.
• Remind them public education is not a partisan issue.
• Encourage legislators to support legislation that strengthens public schools.
• Personal stories and anecdotes are particularly effective, whether it’s your own personal story or a close friend’s.
• Be disciplined in your messaging: the best way to build support for your position is to keep communication positive, bipartisan, inclusive, and single-issue.
• Avoid getting sidetracked with other issues you care about.
• If you are a constituent, mention that.