What are some of the basic foundations of adolescent development that should be considered as transition planning occurs?
Supporting youth to plan for the future and to reach their adult goals includes fostering a sense of hope, sense of the future, and helping them stay connected to school so they will remain in school. Youth development and prevention strategies have looked beyond the legal and educational goals to provide a holistic approach to education and transition. Blum, McNeely, and Rinehart cite ten strategies to foster connections between youth and their schools (2002): • Help youth get to know each other • Involve youth in planning, problem-solving, and assessing classroom curriculum • Promote cooperation over competition • Build strong relationships between youth and teachers/administrators • Convey attentiveness to youth and passion about learning through nonverbal cues • Involve all youth in responsibilities • Integrate responsibility and respect throughout all curricula • Give youth a stronger voice • Involve youth in the criteria by which their work will be assessed • Use first person plu
