Young Adolescent Development

Comeback Schools

In January 2021, I sat in Starbucks® with a teenager. Jacob was seeking advice about his future and was cautious about the current state of the world. He was keenly aware of the fragile economy, of the volatility of the marketplace, and of the uncertainty leaders face today. When I asked Jacob what his dreams

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The SEL On-Ramp: Easy to Do Strategies to Remove Non-Academic Barriers

It’s never been “easy” to be a teacher. This year is no different, to say the least.  I’ve traveled to more than 20 schools since August of 2021, from Fort Myers, Florida to Spokane Washington, and the sentiment is shared.  Students are still reeling from being home, being back, being with masks, then without, then

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Advisory Program

An Advisory Program for the Whole Child and Whole School

How one school’s daily advisory program became a cornerstone of their culture The evidence is clear that young adolescent students benefit from having their academic and personal development guided by an adult advocate. Many schools promote this goal through an advisory program, or regularly schedule times when students can interact with a small group of

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Social-Emotional Development of Young Adolescents: Fact and Fiction

Beginning with G. Stanley Hall in the early 1900s, the age and developmental period of young adolescence began to be explored and set apart from other developmental stages of life.  From Hall to current time, researchers are still trying to understand this complicated developmental period of life that changes both the physical body and the

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Red Ribbon Week

8 Resources to Incorporate in your School for Red Ribbon Week

This past Saturday marked the beginning of Red Ribbon Week. Celebrated annually from October 23-31, Red Ribbon Week raises awareness for substance-use prevention programs and efforts. Around the country, students are learning about the importance of staying substance-free and saying “NO” to risky behaviors like underage drinking and underage cannabis use. As educators, we play

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Career Pathways in Middle School

To Give Students the Best Shot at Success, Introduce Career Pathways in Middle School

Career Exploration is possible in every school and for every student with the right playbook in hand. The middle school years — for good reason — are often called “the last best chance.” These are pivotal years for youth, as they develop rapidly in their critical, analytical, and creative thinking skills and desire to set

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