Asset #24, Bonding to School

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Asset Story Archive
11/02 Asset # 37, Personal Power

10/02 Asset #36, Peaceful Conflict Resolution

09/02 Asset #24, Bonding to School

08/02 Asset #7, Community Values Youth

07/02 Asset #38, Self-esteem

05/02 Asset #40, Positive View of Personal Future

04/02 Asset #31, Restraint

03/02 Asset #32, Planning and Decision Making

02/02 Asset #29, Honesty

Helping Young People Bond to Their School

Outside the family, schools play a major role in shaping young people's social skills. When young people feel welcomed, supported and valued in their schools, they not only do better academically, but they are less likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that students who feel connected to school are less likely to use alcohol and illegal drugs, to engage in violent or deviant behavior, to become pregnant or to experience emotional distress.

"Bonding to school" was identified by Search Institute as one of 40 developmental building blocks, or "assets," that help young people thrive. However, surveys conducted by Search Institute of more than 100,000 young people nationwide found that only 51 percent of young people cared about their school.

Assets for Colorado Youth is an organization that works with educators, parents and community groups to improve the lives of young people. Says María Guajardo Lucero, Ph.D., executive director of Assets for Colorado Youth, "When young people feel that they are part of their school and are cared about by the people there, they experience higher levels of academic success and emotional well-being. Students, parents, educators and community members all have a role to play in making sure young people bond to their school."

Assets for Colorado Youth offers these ideas for helping young people feel connected to their school:

• Parents: Show interest. Be involved in your child's academic activities. Maintain regular contact with teachers and participate in school events.
  
• Teachers: Build a strong relationship with each student. Help students get to know each other's (and your) strengths. Involve students in planning and problem-solving. Promote cooperation over competition.
  
• Students: Come to school prepared to learn. Find a supportive adult at school who you can talk to. Reach out and be a friend to kids who seem isolated. Speak out about issues at your school that matter to you. Find a school club or activity that interests you and join.
  
• Community members: Take an interest. Ask school leaders what support they need. Volunteer in a school. Nominate effective school leaders for local awards.

Helping young people bond to their school can increase their academic achievement and help them choose positive paths.

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