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PPS to Continue Focusing on Students' Emotional Needs in 2017

Cass Herrington
/
Peoria Public Radio

Peoria Public Schools opened its Office of Social Emotional Learning in 2016, but the district’s superintendent says the job doesn’t end there.

Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat says the district is still trying to individually coach teachers on how to effectively deliver behavior lessons in the classroom.

“Some of our staff, they’re just natural at being able to work with these situations, and others are not, because it’s just not part of their DNA and actually their experiences,” Desmoulin-Kherat said. 

Another development in 2016 goes hand-in-hand with the district’s increased focus on social emotional supports. Illinois Senate Bill 100 essentially revised how schools address behavior problems by emphasizing interventions rather than punishment, like suspensions.

The Peoria Federation of Teachers agrees with the administration on prioritizing students’ emotional and mental well-being. But Union President Jeff Adkins Dutro says the district should also seek partnerships in the community for additional counseling and mental health supports.