Key+Action+1


 * Key Action 1 - Develop a Deeper Understanding of Young Adolescents**

"Reports from the Carnegie Corporation (Jackson & Davis, 2000) and the National Middle School Association (2003), as well as the expertise of veteran Middle Years teachers, point to seven conditions that young adolescents crave; creative expression; physical activity; positive social interactions with adults and peers; structure and clear limits, and meaningful participation in family, school, and community. No matter how creatively we teach, and no matter how earnestly we engage in differentiated instruction, authentic assessment, and character education - the effects will be significantly muted if we don't create an environment that responds to students' developmental needs." ~ Rick Wormeli
 * Educator Perspective**

**Student Perspective ** “We need structure and guidelines but also responsibility and freedom because we need to prepare for the real world.” ~ Student voice

**Middle Years Initiative Perspective **

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"Young adolescents are children aged 10 - 14. They have a strong desire to be independent, but are still very much dependent on the adults in their world to provide the essentials of their life. Their need to feel loved, understood, and respected, greatly influences their relationships with the significant adults in their lives. . . . Although some may look and act much older, they are, nevertheless, still children who often do not grasp the consequences of their actions. Developmentally, young adolescents are physically, emotionally, and cognitively 'under construction'." ~ MYI ======

"...adolescents sometimes act impulsively and may become victims of devastating and long-lasting consequences of their actions. The role of educators and parents is critical in guiding adolescents toward sound decision-making and problem-solving. Young adolescents who have safe opportunities to explore options and choices and learn from the consequences of their actions are better prepared to make effective decisions for the challenges they may face in their lives and learning." ~ MYI