A conceptual model for understanding youth development is provided and the processes that enhance the adolescent experience and promote successful transition from childhood to adulthood are identified. Intended as a guide for professionals constructing and implementing policies and programs, the model is based on the proposition that development…

This document announces web sites that address adolescent reproductive and sexual health. The web sites are arranged alphabetically by name, and refer to the owner of the site rather than the title. The profile of each site consists of basic information such as the address of the organization or owner, fax number, telephone number, e-mail address,…

This proceedings contains transcripts, presentations, and workshop summaries from a 2-day conference on experiential learning in youth development, held by the Brathay Hall Trust in the English Lake District. Brathay is a British educational charity that offers a variety of youth development courses, ranging from outdoor adventure activities to…

Reviews research dealing with the causes of adolescent runaway behavior and the negative physical and psychological consequences of being away from home prematurely. Gender differences are also noted. Concludes that running away must be viewed as both an adolescent and a family problem. (Author/JAC)

Studied the relationship between identity status and academic achievement in female adolescents (N=20), based on the theories of Erikson and Marcia. Scoring of interviews suggested that experience and working through crises in beliefs were more closely associated with academic achievement and identity than specific commitments to career or…

Cooperation between middle level and high school administrators and teachers depends on their awareness of the great diversity of intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development among middle level students. Administrators can then make changes to improve program articulation. (MLF)

The middle school originated out of an understanding for the need of a learning environment geared specifically to the needs of the early adolescent. The transition from concrete to formal operational thought and the affective and psychomotor developmental stages demonstrate the uniqueness of the early adolescent experience. (JN)

Analyzed 15 popular fiction books in terms of problem-concerns of young adolescents. Five were by author Judy Blume. The books reflected personal, family, and interpersonal problems and a trend toward realism. Fiction can be helpful in counseling and in developmental programs. (JAC)

Adolescent work experience is often proposed as developmentally significant. This study attempts to demonstrate that different work settings expose youth to substantially different experiences. Opportunities for learning, initiative and autonomy, and interaction are examined in six job types commonly held by adolescents. (SK)

Using a two-wave panel design, examined antecedents and short-term consequences of teenage marriage, parenting, and school-leaving. Findings showed that while these three role transitions are not greatly related to social origins, academic ability, or performance, dropping-out is more highly linked than the other two. (Author)

Assessed the maturity of delinquents' perceptions of self and of a best friend. Results indicated delinquents did not show evidence of being developmentally delayed in peer and self-cognition. (Author/DB)

Presented is an annotated bibliography on the early adolescent (ages 10 to 15). (KC)

Preoccupation with food and weight, low levels of physical activity and fitness, and moving patterns are only a few indicators of adolescent difficulties. Educational alternatives to meet adolescent needs include integrated studies, multi-disciplinary approaches to critical issues, cooperative education and work study programs, and community and…

Compared to grade 8 students in intermediate schools, grade 8 students in K-8 schools are more involved with school activities and assume greater responsibility for those activities. K-8 schools apparently serve the needs of young adolescents better than intermediate schools. (SB)

Traces the middle school movement from the early 1960s through the year 2,000 and beyond. (JM)