Building Building Developmental Assets Developmental Assets in Our Schoolsin Our SchoolsMartin Greer, Ph.D.Lead PsychologistLas Cruces Public SchoolsJanuary, 2008

What are Developmental Assets? “Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets®

are concrete, common sense, positive experiences and qualities essential to raising successful young people. These assets have the power during critical adolescent years to influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults. “

- www.search-institute.org

The Asset Test

Does it prevent risk behavior?

Does it build resiliency?

Does it promote positive youth development?

Benefits of Building Assets in Schools Energizes positive energy in school staff Boosts school achievement Reduces school discipline problems Affirms, includes and empowers everyone

in the school community

Major Shifts

Deficits to Strengths

Programs to Relationships

Skill Deficits to Skill Development

The Power of Relationships

Peter Benson – “Relationships are the oxygen of human development.”

James Comer – “No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.”

Relationship Ladder Step 1 – Making Connections – Use the person’s name and

smile. Step 2 – Getting to Know the Young Person – What interests

the person? What’s going on in his/her life? Step 3 – Identifying and Encouraging the Young Person’s

Strengths and Talents – Support the young person though talking, listening and sharing.

Step 4 – Challenging Young People – Help the young person set goals, acknowledge his/her efforts, and have high expectations of him/her.

Step 5 – Focusing on Building Specific Assets – Do something for or with the young person outside of your usual routine (e.g., attend an athletic or music event where the young person is playing or performing).

Step 6 – Maintaining Relationships – Find a way to continue your involvement with the young person over time (e.g., send a birthday card or attend a graduation).

Assets have Power!

Protect Against Risk Behavior

Promote Thriving Behaviors

“Building developmental assets with young people is at least as successful in increasing their academic performance as any other single documented strategy” – Search Institute

Positive Effects of Assets

Asset Bars: 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40

Effects of Asset Deficits

Asset Bars: 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40

The Asset Gap

YRRS: Teen Perception of Caring Relationships

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Par Tchr A/C Peers

New Mexico

Las Cruces

Mental Health Indicators on the YRRS

Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness – 31.8%

Seriously considered suicide – 20.8% Made a suicide plan – 17.2% Attempted suicide – 14.8% Suicide attempt resulting in injury – 5.8%

Counselor Survey Results

StudentsElementary School – Concerns with peer

friendliness and bullyingSecondary School – Concerns with bullying,

school safety and gang problems Staff

Students need to learn respect for others, being able to manage being teased or bullied

Asset Building Does Not Add Something to the Plate…

It Is The Plate!

RELATIONSHIPS

RELEVANCE

RIGOR

HIERARCHY OF ACHIEVEMENT

Hierarchies of Needs and Achievement

Need to Focus on the Whole Pyramid

Sole Focus on Rigor – Too Many Disconnected and Bored Students

Sole Focus on Relationships – Too Little Focus on Purpose and Achievement

Sole Focus on Relevancy – Too Many Disconnected Students and Too Little Focus on Achievement

Keys to Building Relationships

Connection, Caring & Communication Positive School Climate and School Community Involve Students in Active Learning, Leadership

and Service Culture – Heritage & SES Commitment & Action High Expectations Acknowledgment, Encouragement &

Reinforcement

Keys to Relevancy

Career Education and Exploration Career Webs & Classroom Discussion Culture – Heritage & SES The Power of Education - Job Satisfaction,

Income Potential & Other Factors Promoting student’s strengths and

passions!

Keys To Rigor

Clearly Defined Educational Standards Available High Quality Curriculum State of the Art Teaching Techniques High Quality Assessment Tools Differentiated Instruction Professional Learning Communities Focused Administrative Leadership

“If parents are assets to their children, it makes our job easier.If parents are not assets, it makes our job more important!”

Chris Beyer, Search Institute

“We are the leaders we have been waiting for”

- Gandhi