The 21st century demands a highly skilled, educated work force and citizenry unlike any we have seen before. The global marketplace and economy are a reality. Change and innovation have become the new status quo. A strong foundation in reading, writing, math, and other core subjects is as important as ever, yet insufficient for lifelong success. These demands require a new and better way of approaching education policy and practice—a whole child approach to learning, teaching, and community engagement.

The Whole Child Initiative proposes a definition of achievement and accountability that promotes the development of children who are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. We seek to redefine what a successful learner is and how we measure success. ASCD is helping educators, families, community members, and policymakers move from rhetoric about educating the whole child to reality.