Health & Fitness
Local Voices: The 41 Developmental Assets‚It only Takes a Second
You've heard by now that the city and school district have adopted the 41 Developmental Assets framework, but what that is and what that means to our kids day to day may not be clear.
You've heard by now that the city and school district have adopted the 41 Developmental Assets framework, but what that is and what that means to our kids day to day may not be clear.
The Search Institute in Minnesota has researched what makes kids more likely to thrive (where "thrive" means displaying specific behaviors, i.e., experiencing school success, exhibiting leadership, helping others informally, resisting danger, valuing diversity, controlling impulsive behavior, maintaining good personal health and overcoming adversity).
This research led to a list of 41 Developmental Assets that are highly correlated with thriving youth. Developmental assets are the positive values, relationships, and experiences that youth need to thrive. Youth with low asset levels are more likely to engage in risk behaviors and fail to achieve at school. Youth with high asset levels are more likely to choose healthy activities, succeed in school, and avoid risk behaviors.
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So the bottom line is "More Assets ==> More thriving."
The Palo Alto Unified School District and the Project Safety Net (psnpaloalto.org or facebook.com/psnpaloalto) team surveyed 4000+ students last fall. You can see a summary of the results here:pausd.org/parents/programs/StudentConnectedness/downloads/Dev%20Assets%20Results%20-%2090%20min%20preso%20final.pdf We learned a lot, but it was just the beginning of the conversation; we pledged to keep the dialogue going. Now we are in the process of infusing the community with the Assets framework.
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But what can you do today, right now, every day, and it only takes a second? Take advantage of every moment to build assets in every child. Think back to your childhood. What was important to you growing up? Who or what built assets for you?
Consider taking the following pledge:
- I take the time to listen when a young person speaks to me.
- I set an example for youth.
- I take the initiative in engaging young people positively.
- I smile and make eye contact with young people as I go about my day.
- Even when a child is in trouble I try to concentrate on what is right with them.
For more information, contact the Palo Alto Developmental Assets Initiative at devassetspaloalto@gmail.com
