This position paper: identifies key criteria by which school districts and school committees can assess how well they are meeting the physical, emotional, and social needs of children; suggests some specific strategies to accomplish these goals; and lists some promising programs and practices. Sections deal with the following topics: (1) reasons why schools should become involved in the emotional, social, and physical development of children; (2) how schools may foster the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of their students; (3) parent involvement; (4) curriculum; (5) staff/student relationships; (6) school structure and policies; (7) staff training; (8) integration of special, bilingual, and occupational education services with regular education; (9) student support services, including school counseling and psychological services, and school health services; (10) coordination of school and community services; and (11) the recommendation that school districts develop comprehensive plans to address the social, physical, emotional, and intellectual growth of their students. The document concludes that with a school plan for the physical, emotional, and social development of children, a school district can more effectively assess its progress in implementing its objectives for social and emotional growth. (ABL)