The Big Idea It’s not new news that EQ (emotional intelligence) eclipses IQ (cognitive ability) in predicting success. It makes sense. Being able to read and respond to the emotions of others and to read and regulate our own emotions is essential to faring well in life. Why then are the number of socially and emotionally skilled students (and adults) at an all-time low? There’s consensus that today’s narrow focus on performance and achievement along with the high stakes test