Welcome back to the Asset Champion! We had originally intended to talk about how to invigorate programs this month, but, clearly, we changed our mind. This month is a continuation of last month’s theme of engaging sectors; there are so many sectors to engage we decided to go a little more in-depth into one of the more important ones – schools.
Building Assets – Reducing Risks
You may not guess it from the look of things today, but ten years ago in St. Louis Park, MN, birthplace of the Healthy Communities · Healthy Youth initiative, 44% of all 9th graders were failing one or more of their classes. This worrisome fact prompted action. By the ’05-‘06 school year, this number had gone down to less than 21% of 9th graders failing one or more classes. The question is, what happened in the time between? The answer is that the Building Assets—Reducing Risks program was instituted, and program coordinator Angela Jerabek is hopeful that the program will soon receive NREPP (National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices) approval, which would put it on the list of “proven practices” that are allowed to use federal grant dollars.
A pack full of assets
Tammie Bernal has what many asset builders might consider the ideal job. For one year, her sole mission is to spread word about the assets to all the schools in the Anaheim school district, going into classes to introduce the wonderful world of assets to squirming 2nd graders and cool 6th graders. And, like so many kids across the country, these kids understand the ideas behind the assets. “I think they really get it,” says Bernal. “It’s great.”
Helping Teens Handle Tough Experiences
Helping Teens Handle Tough Experiences: Strategies to Foster Resilience
Life is hard for teens, but it can become even more difficult when they experience serious challenges. Removing the adversity from a teen’s life may be out of our control, but we can help them deal with these experiences and build on their natural talents, goodness, and strength. This book highlights 20 tough experiences, and using research evidence and practical experience, the authors provide information and strategies that you can use to help guide a teen through troubled times. In addition to practical advice, suggestions, and tips for working with teens, each chapter also includes reproducible handouts, informational resources, and contact information for relevant organizations.
Plus, keep your eyes out for How Was Your Day at School? Improving Dialog about Teacher Job Satisfaction, scheduled to come out this fall!
