The Asset Approach: Giving Kids What They Need to Succeed

Abstract:
This report discusses research on Search Institute's 40 developmental assets. The assets are grouped into four categories of external assets (support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time) and four categories of internal assets (commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity). Search Institute surveyed nearly 100,000 6th- to 12th-grade youth in 213 towns and cities across the U.S. during the 1996-97 school year. The survey indicated that only eight percent of the youth surveyed experience at least 31 of the 40 assets; 62% experience fewer than 20. At the same time, assets have tremendous power to protect youth from many different harmful choices and also to increase the chances that young people will have positive attitudes and behaviors. The most commonly experienced assets are family support, religious community, school engagement, and a positive view of personal future. The assets experienced by the least number of youth include a community that values youth, youth as resources, reading for pleasure, and creative activities. The data are presented attractively in charts and tables, and the report will serve as a helpful overview of research on developmental assets.


Date Published: 1/1/1997

Pages: 8

Location Code: 6338