Is social and emotional learning the missing piece in education reform, or is it just another fad that will distract education reformers from ensuring that students are prepared academically for what lies ahead? Grover "Russ" Whitehurst, argues that those looking for a body of evidence to support the recommendations of social and emotional learning advocates will be sorely disappointed.

Some believe that growing interest in social and emotional learning is just a distraction from the academic mission of schools, but Robert Balfanz argues that only by educating the whole child can schools prepare students for adult success. Marty West talks with Balfanz about why he thinks social and emotional learning is a natural outgrowth of the standards and accountability movement and about the research behind his views.