WHAT ARE DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS?  Assets usually signify financial resources. In our context, assets mean valuable resources of another kind.  The Search Institute is a nonprofit organization that has identified 40 assets a young person needs to be successful.  These assets are 40 values, experiences, relationships, and qualities that bring many benefits to the young people who have them.

WHY ARE DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS IMPORTANT?  Assets are one of many tools that we can use to provide the positive guidance children need to succeed.  “Asset-rich” children take fewer negative risks and are more likely to be successful academically, socially, and emotionally than children who lack those experiences and qualities.

RESEARCH  There is no magic number of assets young people should have.  Research indicates that if our youth have developed more than 20 of these assets, then they have at least a moderate chance of succeeding in their quest to achieve happiness – to thrive – to live well.

WHY SHOULD WE BUILD ASSETS AT CRISMAN SCHOOL?  One analogy that is often used compares assets to the building blocks of healthy youth development.  When a tower is built it will not stand without a good foundation.  The assets “build” a healthy, sturdy, stable young person.

Asset Building  When adults intentionally help young people gain more assets, that is called “asset building”.  Asset building is not a new program, but an awareness – a way to interact with young people. Crisman teachers have always been asset builders.  By purposefully and repeatedly using asset language and actions, we continue to make a significant difference with the students.

PRESENTING THE 40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS Support – Young people need to be surrounded by people who love, care for, appreciate, and accept them. Empowerment – Young people need to feel valued and valuable. This happens when youth feel safe, when they believe they are liked and respected, and when they contribute to their families, schools, and communities. Boundaries and Expectations – Young people need the positive influence of peers and adults who encourage them to be and do their best. Youth also need clear rules about appropriate behavior and consistent, reasonable consequences for breaking those rules.

PRESENTING THE 40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS Constructive Use of Time – Young people need opportunities to learn and develop new skills and interests. Commitment to Learning – Young people need a variety of learning experiences, including the desire for academic success, a sense of the lasting importance of learning, and a belief in their own abilities. Positive Values – Young people need to develop strong guiding values, including caring about others, high standards for personal character, and believing in protecting their own well-being.

PRESENTING THE 40 DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS Social Competencies – Young people need the skills to interact effectively with others, to make difficult decisions and choices, and to cope with new situations. Positive Identity – Young people need to believe in their own self-worth, to feel they have control over the things that happen to them, and to have a sense of purpose in life.

CRISMAN’S APPROACH  Our staff met and identified 5 of those assets that we felt were the most important to building academic success.  Those 5 assets are being intentionally targeted throughout this school year.

CRISMAN’S TARGETED ASSETS  Caring School Climate  Parent Involvement  School Boundaries  High Expectations  School Engagement  There is a banner in the school foyer that addresses these targeted assets.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CRISMAN SCHOOL?  We will meet in the fall and determine the next set of assets to target during the next school year.  We will continue to build the original targeted assets.  We will continue to share information with parents regarding the Developmental Assets.

PARENTS AND ASSETS  Research has indicated that schools can most directly affect only 22 of the 40 assets.  Asset building should not be limited to the classroom.  It is imperative that educators reach out to parents, neighbors, and community members, as well as youth and civic organizations.

HELPFUL PARENT RESOURCES search-institute.org ParentFurther.com pncgrowupgreat.com/parents “Ideas for Parents” newsletters

CLOSING THOUGHTS  Research shows that the first decade of life is the most important time to build the assets.  By building assets with and for your children, you can ensure that they will have the skills, tools, and experiences they need to grow into successful adults who make good decisions for themselves and positively influence those around them.

This Power Point Presentation was created by Lori Wiseman and Jim Babcock.