- Where did the developmental assets come from?
- Why these 40 assets, not some others?
- Are assets only about 12- to- 18 year olds?
- Why don't you include assets that focus on economic security?
- Which assets are most important? Why not just focus on those?
- Some things seem to be missing in the assets that are particularly important in my culture or tradition. Shouldn't they be included?
- How are the assets measured in youth?
- Why is it important to collect the data in our community?
- Can we trust the Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes & Behaviors survey results?
- Are students in grade 6 too young to take this survey?
- How can we receive funding for the Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes & Behaviors survey?
- What is Search Institute?
- I see the term "Lutheran Brotherhood" a lot. Is this a religious initiative?
- Do assets tie in to the Presidents' Summit for America's Future?
1. Where did the developmental assets come from?
Search Institute President Peter L. Benson, Ph.D., developed the framework of assets. The 40 assets, introduced in late 1996, reflect the conclusion of work by a team of social scientists and practical wisdom of practitioners across the United State. Through dozens of dialogues, workshops, and focus groups, valuable information was gained from 150 youth, educators, parents, social service providers, and policy makers.
Though the developmental asset framework is new (because of its synthesis, integration, and architecture), it builds on the important work of a number of scholars and researchers in the fields of child and adolescent development, prevention, youth development, and resiliency.
The framework of 40 assets, introduced in late 1996, summarizes many processes. Almost 100,000 6th- to 12th grade public school students in 213 communities in 25 states are included in the first compilation of 40- asset data.
Now, nearly 500,000 young people have completed the survey and 320 communities across the country have embraced this strength-based concept as a contribution to balance current theories and practices that support young people. Many communities have begun to design awareness/education tools, create and implement projects and programs, and support diverse entities (government, business, etc.) realign program and planning priorities.
2. Why these 40 assets, not some others?
The 40 developmental assets represent a conceptual model of experiences and qualities for all young people. Healthy outcomes - The assets represent developmental factors known to cause or predict healthy outcomes for youth. The following criteria were used in choosing them:
- Resistance to health-compromising behavior "risk-taking" behavior.
- Experiences that promote forms of thriving behavior and attitude.
- Dimensions of resiliency to adverse conditions or situation.
Common core-Special attention was given to those elements of development known or thought to have health-promoting utility across gender, race/ethnicity, and income important for all youth regardless of social circumstance.
Power to shape-The developmental assets emphasize relationships, social experiences, social environments, patterns of interaction, and norms which a community has considerable control-"Brick and mortar" of a community.
3. Are assets only about 12 to 18 year olds?
No. Asset development needs to be a priority in every year of a child's life from birth to 18. In addition to the framework around the second decade of life, there is definite development progression for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age students.
4. Why don't you include assets that focus on economic security?
Focusing the human development infrastructure of a community rather than specific features (economics, services, or physical structure) emphasizes that everyone in a community has the wisdom, ability, and responsibility to promote positive youth outcomes.
5. Which assets are most important? Why not just focus on those?
All of the assets are equally important from a research perspective, but for communities, some assets are more important than other assets. Altering our individual commitment and nature of the community is complex and sometimes difficult, but it is the way to help the assets come together that supports a community.
6. Some things seem to be missing in the assets that are particularly important in my culture or tradition. Shouldn't they be included?
As the asset framework was designed and represents a common core of positive developmental experiences, it may not include those positive experiences unique to a specific culture.
Other valuable and important experiences named will enhance the common core of assets and act as a filter for people from many walks of life, backgrounds, and perspectives to work together on promoting a common core of healthy development.
7. How are the assets measured in youth?
The assets are measured with a survey tool called the Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes & Behaviors. Communities contract with Search Institute to conduct this survey with their youth. The survey is taken anonymously and only group data are presented to the community.
The survey asks youth whether they experience these assets from a range of questions, which are analyzed and reported through the asset framework. This survey is the only accurate way to measure the 40 developmental assets in youth.
Through the youth's responses to 156 questions, Search Institute creates a report for the community to learn the picture of life: assets, thriving factors, and risk-taking behaviors.
8. Why is it important to collect the data in our community?
Many of us know that youth are missing some of these assets. There are three distinct and important reasons to conduct the survey:
In some communities, people deny that action on behalf of youth is needed. On average, most communities have a similar number of assets, but each community also has a unique asset profile from another community. The study provides a baseline of information for which asset-building community and professional members can begin discussion and creation of an asset development plan.
9. Can we trust the Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes & Behaviors survey results?
As we know that some students do not take surveys about personal life seriously, the Search Institute uses several methods for identifying surveys to be eliminated from the data set and reports.
Several methods used to eliminate surveys:
- Use of a fictitious drug listed in the survey too
- Use of unrealistically high amounts of drugs and/or alcohol
- Inconsistent responses to experiences
- Unable to answer 26% or more of the questions
10. Are students in grade 6 too young to take this survey?
The survey tool has been deemed appropriate for use in grades 6 to 12, although younger students may need additional time to complete the survey. We now know that youth, not just in high school, are engaging in risk-taking behaviors (drug use, alcohol use, contemplating suicide, sex, etc.), as has been evidenced in elementary school.
With the link between developmental assets and at-risk behavior, it is critical to begin addressing these issues before students reach high school or even middle school. However, it is important to have the support from the community to administer this type of survey instrument in lower grades, and in some cases, in middle and high school grades.
11. How can we receive funding for the Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes & Behaviors survey?
Lutheran Brotherhood is a generous supporter of this survey tool and often gives financial assistance with a certificate to those communities who desire to administer it. If there is a Lutheran Brotherhood branch in your community, contact them, as they may be able to help you.
12. What is Search Institute?
Search Institute founded in 1958, conducts research and evaluation, develops publications and practical tools, and provides training and technical assistance to those asset-building communities. This institute collaborates with others to promote long-term organizational and cultural change that supports the healthy development of all children and adolescents. Through the Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth initiative, Search Institute has the vision that all children and youth need to be surrounded by networks of individuals and institutions that provide them with support, opportunities, boundaries, and structure, and that nurture them in the commitments, values, competencies, and positive identity they need to grow up healthy and competent. Their mission will be accomplished through research, evaluation, resource materials, training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities based on Search Institute, and other national and local frameworks
13. I see the term "Lutheran Brotherhood" a lot. Is this a religious initiative?
No. Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth initiative is a multi-sector initiative that seeks support and involvement from all sectors. Search Institute is a nonsectarian, nonprofit organization. Although Search Institute received substantial financial support from Lutheran Brotherhood, it receives financial assistance from state agencies, city agencies, foundations (The Colorado Trust, the Kellogg Foundations, the Lilly Endowment, The Dewitt Wallace-Readers Digest Fund, and the Blandin Foundation) and national corporations (Cargill and Norwest Banks).
14. Do assets tie in to the Presidents' Summit for America's Future?
Yes. The President's Summit for America's Future launched the national America's Promise, has commissioned Search Institute to do a booklet on the resources and blends 5 assets into their mission and work.
