This paper will review several important constructs in the area of social and emotional development of children in grades 2-5. The importance of social and emotional development has become increasingly evident in light of new research on the brain and the development of programs to prevent social and behavioral disorders in youth. This review will draw upon aspects of several different literatures--children's social and emotional development, developmental psychopathology, resilience, and children's motivation for learning. Its purpose is to place in context a recommendation for a measure of socio-emotional development to be used with 8-10 year olds. Following this brief review, the authors will describe several direct measures that address the areas identified in the review.