Title: Developmental Assets
Summary: Developmental assets are very important for young people to possess. These assets “represent the relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive” (Developmental Assets, 2007). Young people who possess these assets are more likely to have a better foundation and thrive in their environment, and less likely to participate in risky behavior. Developmental assets are important characteristics for all young people, regardless of their background, race, gender, economic status, or family situation. The number of developmental assets present in a person is a good indication of how likely that person is to participate in risky behavior, or to succeed in their environment. Development assets include factors such as “family dynamics, support from community adults, school effectiveness, peer influence, values development, and social skills” (Developmental Assents, 2007). These factors are primarily focused on preventing high-risk behavior and providing the young person with the ability to “rebound in the face of adversity, from poverty to drug-abusing parents to dangerous neighborhoods” (Developmental Assets, 2007). Many of these developmental assets designate the school as the primary facilitator. Three of these assets include promoting a caring school environment, setting school rules and boundaries, and promoting school engagement through active learning. In these ways, schools can assist these young people in avoiding high-risk behavior, and encourage the development of these assets in their students to ensure a brighter future.
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Tags: Developmental Assets learning assets characteristics for success educational assets assets for students school assets caring