Governor Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed the week of March 7-11, 2022, as G.U.I.D.E. for Life Week in Arkansas to celebrate the importance of social emotional learning. All Arkansas students should graduate with a strong foundation of academic knowledge, experience, and proficiencies. Yet, for a lifetime of personal and professional success, our students also need an equally solid foundation in personal competency skills; intangible abilities that help people get along with others, communicate well, and make positive contributions in the workplace and beyond.

The Arkansas Department of Education has identified five guiding principles: GROWTH, UNDERSTANDING, INTERACTION, DECISIONS, and EMPATHY. Each principle and corresponding lessons, as outlined in the G.U.I.D.E. for Life, support educators in teaching the principles to empower students to thrive at home, school, on the job, and in the community.

G.U.I.D.E. for Life Week is celebrated to coincide with International Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Day. The Governor encourages all citizens of Arkansas to recognize and celebrate the significance of social emotional learning to enriching our children’s futures as it improves academic outcomes, builds a positive school climate, and provides children with the necessary skills to excel in today’s workforce. 

The G.U.I.D.E. for Life Week Activity Toolkit has been developed to help schools promote the personal competencies the week of March 7-11, 2022. Districts and schools are encouraged to post pictures of G.U.I.D.E. for Life Week activities on their websites and social media using #ARGUIDEforLife.