In Between: Middle Schools as Centers for Positive Youth Development (2012)
Viewing middle school through the lens of positive youth development reveals the disconnect between what we know about youth and the ways schooling is designed and delivered. The confluence of new knowledge on youth assets with the shortcomings of middle school education in the U.S. suggests this is the time for redesign, innovation, and evaluation of new models. Youth-Nex seeks to transform middle schools into developmentally-informed settings that provide supportive relationships and learning contexts which foster the capacity of early adolescents.
Early in Youth-Nex's development, we saw a need to examine developmental issues of early adolescence, the intersection with educational programming, and best methods to promote effective youth development. To do so we explored the context of middle school in the event titled, "In Between: Middle Schools as Centers for Positive Youth Development." The 2012 conference brought together leaders from across the country including scholars, practitioners, and policy professionals to focus on the future of middle schools in the context of Positive Youth Development. 'We had unprecedented focus on middle school youth as capable and middle schools as the center of approaching their development from this view, said Director Patrick Tolan. We had leadership in education at national and state levels, leading advocates and scholars, and local practitioners in a vigorous and productive discussion. We are excited about what this can mean for youth and for the Youth-Nex center's mission.' We tried to foster a multidimensional understanding of critical elements promoting positive youth development specifically in middle schools, including physical and mental health, engaged citizenship, and beneficial relationships. Mrs. Alma Powell, of America’s Promise Alliance, gave the keynote address. Dr. Jacquelynne Eccles, a leading scholar in this topic provided opening remarks.
View the interactive digital book for summaries of the panels.
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About Youth-Nex
Youth-Nex, The UVA Center to Promote Effective Youth Development, is a trans-disciplinary center that aims to expand and apply the science of positive youth development to address fundamental challenges facing societies around the world.