What Kids Need: Thriving and Sparks
Source: Search Institute
Recently, I heard Dr. Benson, President of Search Institute, speak about how we are currently measuring success in schools? If you measure schools based on test scores, recent results show students are performing better in math and reading. If you assess schools on safety, violence is down in most schools across America. However, if you measure schools on developing students who have Passion and Purpose, we have a lot of work to do because Passion and Purpose are not on the test.
Dr. Benson argues that schools and communities should be places where adolescents feel supported, loved and inspired! In fact, communities and schools should be intentional about providing SPARKS to ignite greatness within our young people! Dr. Benson says:
SPARKS are…the hidden flames in kids that excite them and tap into their true passions.
SPARKS come from…the gut. They motivate and inspire. They’re authentic passions, talents, assets, skills, and dreams.
SPARKS can…be musical, athletic, intellectual, academic, relational—from playing the violin to enjoying working with kids or senior citizens.
SPARKS can…ignite a lifelong vocation or career, or balance other activities to create an emotionally satisfying, enriched life.
And SPARKS get…kids going on a positive path, away from the conflicts and negative issues—violence, promiscuity, drugs and alcohol—that give teens a bad name and attract so much negative energy.
At our middle school, we have adopted the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets conceptual framework. While we are committed to high academic standards for all students, we are acutely aware that middle school students have more than just academic needs to be addressed, they have social, physical and emotional needs as well. The 40 Developmental Assets have been a great way for us to address the unique needs of our students. http://www.search-institute.org/
Benson, P. L. (in press). Sparks! How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
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