What do kids need to succeed? : research and implications for teachers : an honors thesis [(HONRS 499)]

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Authors
Barbish, Stephanie L.
Advisor
Miels, Jill C.
Issue Date
2005
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Recently, schools have perceived a decline in student behavior, and parents and community members have become increasingly concerned with society's impact on youth. Students have a wide range of influences today, and it is difficult for many people, including myself, to make sense of how each influence can help or hinder student success, as well as how we can best give students the tools for success. This lack of information has led to a large gap between belief and action. I first became interested in the Search Institute's research on the "40 Developmental Assets" in EDEL 100, a freshman elementary education class. Developmental assets are defined as critical factors identified for young people's growth and development. In this thesis, I will make the case for a need for more clarity in how adults should view youth's development and their role in it, namely, a national youth policy. I will examine research, primarily from the Search Institute, as well as supporting research in order to conclude what students need to succeed. I will then use research done by the Search Institute and others to formulate implications that this research has for teachers. My hope is that this thesis will benefit educators, parents, and anyone else who cares about helping children by familiarizing them with the asset framework, empowering them to make a difference through education about research results and simple strategies, and encouraging them that they are not alone in the effort to give kids what they need to succeed.