There are a variety of critical resources young people need to be successful. The Search Institute--a youth development organization in Minneapolis--has identified 40developmental assets that help young people become productive adults. Assets include family support, school boundaries, adult role models, integrity, honesty, sense of purpose, and conflict resolution.
The WiseSkills character education program includes School, Family, and Community Components that work together to build the assets in young people that help them make healthy, positive life choices based on principles of character. The WiseSkills K-12 curricula provides resources for teachers to strengthen character in the classroom, while family resources engage parents in positive home activities, and community resources involve the local community. The entire program builds 34 of the 40developmental assets as identified by the Search Institute. The 34 assets that WiseSkills addresses are:
• Family Support • Family Communication • Caring School Climate • Parent Involvement • Community Values Youth • Youth as Resources • Service to Others • Safety • Family Boundaries • School Boundaries • Adult Role Models • Positive Peer Influence • High Expectations • Creative Activities • Time at Home • Achievement Motivation • School Engagement • Homework (1 hour/day) • Bonding to School • Caring • Equality & Social Justice • Integrity • Honesty • Responsibility • Restraint • Planning & Decision-Making • Interpersonal Competence • Cultural Competence • Resistance Skills • Peaceful Conflict Resolution • Personal Power • Self-Esteem • Sense of Purpose • Positive View of Future
