40 Developmental Assets

The 40 Developmental Assets listed below are values, experiences, and qualities that help kids succeed. The more assets youth have, the more likely they are to succeed.

The idea of "developmental assets," introduced by Search Institute of Minneapolis, gives a sense of hope and practical direction for parents. Researchers at Search Institute have identified 40 assets that have a powerful, positive impact on young people. Children and teenagers who have a lot of assets get involved in very few risky behaviors--the kinds of problems we worry about. And when young people have a lot of assets, they are much more likely to do the positive things we value.

Our District has provided meetings and/or training for parents, teachers, and staff to share information regarding these assets so that the school and community can promote asset building. The SSR school newsletter will include monthly information for parents to read and share. Please contact Todd Mann or any Pupil Service staff (Jean Wilson or Debbie Knuth) if you have any further questions.

Assets: How Does Your Child Rate?

1. My child receives a lot of love and support from family members.
2. My child and I communicate positively, and my child is willing to seek me out for advice and support.
3. My child receives support from three or more non-parent adults.
4. My child has neighbors that encourage and support her or him.
5. My child's school provides a caring, encouraging environment.
6. I am actively involved in helping my child succeed in school.
7. My child feels that adults in the community value youth and children.
8. My child is given useful roles in the community.
9. My child serves in the community one hour or more per week.
10. My child feels safe at home, at school, and in the neighborhood.
11. Our family has clear rules and consequences, and monitors our child's whereabouts.
12. My child's school provides clear rules and consequences.
13. Our neighbors take responsibility for monitoring my child's behavior.
14. I and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.
15. My child's best friends model responsible behavior.
16. I and my child's teachers encourage my child to do well.
17. My child spends three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater, or other arts.
18. My child spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at school and/or in the community.
19. My child spends one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution.
20. My child is out with friends with nothing special to do two or fewer nights per week.
21. My child wants to do well in school.
22. My child likes to learn new things.
23. My child does at least one hour of homework every school day.
24. My child cares about her or his school.
25. My child reads for pleasure three or more hours per week.
26. My child places high value on helping other people.
27. My child wants to promote equality and reduce hunger and poverty.
28. My child acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs.
29. My child tells the truth, even when it is not necessary.
30. My child accepts and takes personal responsibility.
31. My child believes it is important not to be sexually active nor to use alcohol or other drugs.
32. My child knows how to plan ahead and make choices.
33. My child is good at making and keeping friends.
34. My child has knowledge of and comfort with people of different cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
35. My child can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.
36. My child seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently.
37. My child feels he or she has control over things that happen to her or him.
38. My child feels good about her or himself.
39. My child believes that her or his life has a purpose.
40. My child feels positive about her or his personal future.

Scoring: Give yourself one point for each "true." Total up the number of points. This is the number of assets you think your child has. Now ask your child how he or she would answer.