Professor Heckman makes it clear that so-called soft skills drive academic and life success. He discusses the benefits of social and emotional skills and argues against determining an individual’s success solely on cognitive skills or IQ, stating that social and emotional skills drive a wide range of positive life outcomes.
Related Resources
Lacking Character, American Education Fails the Test View Summary
In this three-page brief, Professor Heckman argues that what we value and measure in American education doesn’t measure up to the true drivers of human and social success. Character skills often matter more than cognitive skills and calls for educating the whole child, from early learning through young adulthood. For decades, there has been a…
Research Summary: Perry Preschool and Character Skill Development View Summary
This two-page research summary provides proof that social and emotional development in early childhood development drives better education, health, social and economic outcomes. Heckman highlights the influence that character skills have on school, career and life success, and provides guidance for how advocates and policymakers can use the research to promote effective social and economic change.…
The Heckman Equation Brochure View Summary
A simple introduction to Professor Heckman’s work and the power it has to solve some of the most pressing social and economic problems we face. Use this resource at meetings and events to support your argument for the value of investing in early childhood development. 1. Intelligence and social skills are developed at an early…
Invest in Early Childhood Development: Reduce Deficits, Strengthen the Economy View Summary
In this two-page summary document, Professor Heckman argues that the best way to reduce deficits is to invest in quality early childhood development for disadvantaged children. It creates better education, health, social and economic outcomes that increase revenue and reduce the need for costly social spending. “The highest rate of return in early childhood development…