Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to acquire and apply information of an emotional nature, to feel and respond emotionally. This capacity resides in the emotional brain/mind. We believe that one's emotional well-being is the strongest predictor of achievement in school and on the job. Consequently, emotional intelligence is integrated into our curriculum.

As Oregon moves toward higher academic standards, we must also hold our students to high standards of character. Research has shown that when schools systematically attend to students' social and emotional development, academic achievement increases, the incidence of problem behaviors decreases, and the quality of the relationships surrounding each child improves.

Emotional Intelligence is very compatible to Academy's emotional growth modality, so we have integrated it into our curriculum. We provide social and emotional development learning through classroom instruction, extracurricular activities, supportive school climate, and involvement in community service.

Characteristics of emotional intelligence are self-awareness, control of impulsivity, working cooperatively, and caring for self and others. According to Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence is "a different way of being smart."