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City of Edina
EDINA PARK BOARD
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1999
7:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AGENDA
* 1. Approval of Tuesday, December 8, 1998, Park Board Minutes.
2. Asset Building - Youth Growth and Development.
3. Edina Park and Recreation Department Capital Improvement Plan.
4. Other.
* 5. Adj ournment.
* These are agenda items that require or request Park Board action.
City Hall (612) 927-8861
4801 WEST 50TH STREET FAX (612) 927-7645
EDINA, MINNESOTA 55424-1394 TDD (612) 927-5461
Memo
To: Edina Park Board.
From: John Keprios, Director
Edina Park and Recreation Department
Date: January 6, 1999
Re: JANUARY 12, 1999, PARK BOARD MEETING STAFF REPORT.
Enclosed you should find the following items:
1. Tuesday, January 12, 1999, Park Board Agenda.
2. Tuesday, December 8, 1998, Park Board Minutes.
3. Action Plan for Youth Asset Building Model.
4. 40 Developmental Assets.
5. Search Institute Information Packet and General Information Manual.
6. Edina Park and Recreation Department Capital Improvement Plan.
STAFF REPORT
The following is the monthly staff report concerning each item on the agenda with
the exception of Approval of the Minutes and Other. "Other" is listed on the
agenda in case last minute items come up between now and the Park Board
meeting, plus, cover any other concerns of Park Board members and/or attendees.
ASSET BUILDING - YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Doug Johnson, Director of Community Education Services and Facilities, and
Christine Weymouth, Assistant Superintendent For Secondary Education, will be in
attendance to brief the Park Board on a collaborative effort to enhance positive
growth and development of Edina's youth. The Edina Park and Recreation
Department plays an integral role in the growth and development of Edina's youth.
Doug and Christine will outline how the City of Edina can participate in this
movement to establish more assets in the lives our youth population. This
collaborative study attempts to identify measurable assets and deficits in the lives of
our youth populations, which in turn will help guide a vision and direction to create
more youth's assets while reducing deficits. The enclosed hand-outs help explain the
approach to this project.
No formal action from the Park Board action is requested on this matter at this time.
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EDINA PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The enclosed copy of the Edina Park and Recreation Department capital
improvement plan outlines and attempts to prioritize park development plans for the
next five years, as well as, long-range park improvement projects. The dollars
figures attached to these park improvement projects are simply staffs best estimates
without input from professionals in their respective areas of expertise.
I ask that Park Board members please review this rough draft and especially the
proposed priorities by for the next five years. With the Park Board's input, staff will
finalize the document to be included in the Comprehensive Plan as mandated by the
Met Council. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
No formal action from the Park Board is requested on this matter.
OTHER
1. A meeting with all youth athletic association presidents has been scheduled for
Wednesday, January 27, 1999, 7:00 p.m. at Arneson Acres Park Terrace Room.
Budget surplus, fund-raisers and priority use of facilities are just a few of the
issues to be discussed.
2. I will give the Park Board a verbal update of the results of the Wooddale Park
comfort station issue that was presented to the City Council on Monday, January
4, 1999. The issue remains somewhat unresolved.
3. We say farewell and thank you for a job well done to four of our Park Board
members whose terms expire February 1, 1999. Our four retiring Park Board
members are Dave Crowther (since 2-1-93), Beth Hall (since 2-1-90), Andrew
Montgomery (since 2-1-84) and Jean Rydell (since 2-1-84). Their replacements
should be appointed by the City Council in time for their attendance at the
February Park Board meeting. According to City Ordinance, if appointments are
not made by the February meeting, retiring Park Board members are requested to
continue to serve until their replacements have been appointed.
EDINA PARK BOARD
7:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
DECEMBER 8, 1998
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jean Rydell, Becky Bennett, Andrew Montgomery, Beth Hall,
Andy Herring, Tom White, Dave Fredlund, Bill Jenkins, John
Dovolis, Dave Crowther
MEMBERS ABSENT: Phyllis Kohler
STAFF PRESENT: John Keprios, Janet Canton
OTHERS PRESENT: Eric Flowers, Marjorie Ruedy, Jane & Charles Paulus, Kathryn &
Keith Peterson, Sara Peterson, David & Pam O'Halloran, Barbara
Mahler, Gordon Asselstine, Peggy Jennings, Marcia Rehnberg,
Caryl Sharp, Ron Sharp, Dave & Alyce Lees, William Loomis
I. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 10, 1998 PARK BOARD MINUTES
Jean Rydell MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 10, 1998 PARK BOARD
MINUTES. John Dovolis SECONDED THE MOTION. MINUTES APPROVED.
II. WOODDALE PARK COMFORT STATION
Mr. Keprios gave a presentation on the Wooddale Park Comfort Station which explained
everything that has taken place to date. Mr. Crowther informed the residents that the Park
Board has received a copy of every letter that has been written regarding the Wooddale
Park Comfort Station.
A resident handed out to the Park Board 17 additional letters opposing the building of a
comfort station at Wooddale Park. She indicated that she feels it's ridiculous to even
think about putting a permanent structure at the park. The resident stated that her main
concern with the park is the playground equipment because there are some broken items
and it is very dangerous. She then handed out pictures showing what the playground
equipment looks like. The resident indicated that she feels the $75,000 could possibly be
used to update the playground equipment and make it safe for the children. She noted
that she realizes Wooddale Park's playground equipment is not scheduled to redone until
2001 but feels it should be done sooner than that. She then added that there is a
permanent restroom facility right across the street at Utley Park.
Gordon Asselstine, resident, indicated that he attended the previous meeting and
commented that there were a few people who were in favor of building a permanent
structure. He indicated that some neighbors brought up things they were fearful of that
might happen. Mr. Asselstine asked what negative experiences has Edina had at the other
various facilities. He also noted that $25,000 has already been spent and therefore it's
really only another $50,000 that is being looked at. Mr. Asselstine also pointed out that
people are concerned about safety and noted that the facility would only be open during
certain hours.
Mr. Keprios responded that at a previous meeting Gerry Drevlow, an Edina Police
Officer, attended and he was asked the question is there an abundance of violent crime or
is there any serious violent crime that has occurred in the shelter buildings. He stated that
the answer is no, however, that does not mean that they haven't had vandalism. He feels,
however, that is not a good reason to not build a structure because vandalism will always
occur.
Jane Paulus, resident, indicated that in the presentation by staff the reference was made
several times that when the referendum first went out this was identified to the residents
of Edina and they should have been aware of it. However, she noted that she thinks when
most people were voting in favor of the referendum it was the overall package of the
referendum and people weren't breaking it down per item and what it meant to their park.
Secondly, she commented that apathy grows because people feel this is a well run
community and she knows a number people didn't attend the meeting this evening
because they feel the city will do what it wants to do. Ms. Paulus stated that she doesn't
always know that the number of people that are physically at a meeting make something
right or wrong because it usually comes down to a judgment decision by the people who
are either appointed or elected to these committees and City Council that becomes
important. She stated that she thinks that what we do need to look at is whether we are
going to save $50,000 or $75,000 because we are looking at maybe four months out of the
year, 8 hours a day. When we look at that and we look at the whole budget designated to
a park that size that's a huge percentage.
Ms. Paulus noted that she walks through that park three times a day and the maintenance
at Wooddale Park is almost zero right now. She indicated that some neighbors went in
and cut down brushes and they left them in piles and the piles were there about a month
and a half. Therefore, she can't say there are public employees who are constantly there
maintaining the park. Ms. Paulus stated that her question is what it's going to be like if
we put a permanent facility there and if that's going to be further maintained. She
indicated that the cost is so great in what you are asking the families to give up for that
particular park and if every facility in Edina has double facilities to it then one would
question whether the government was maintaining itself in a fiscally responsible manner
in the community. That is what we really have to look at is that there is already a facility
there. Ms. Paulus commented that we need to go back to what is the purpose of
Wooddale Park and she thinks that right now the city is pushing that purpose too far
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because it doesn't have the square footage to compete against what the other parks have.
Therefore, by not putting a public facility there we are going to allow Wooddale to go
back to what she believes it was intended for. She stated she would really encourage that
it be more than just indefinitely to avoid the burden of attending one meeting after
another. The policy makers should come up with a more lasting solution and try to work
with the community.
Mr. Crowther asked the residents what their feeling is on having a semi-permanent
structure to enclose the satellite like that one that was shown in the presentation rather
than just have it sit out in the open. A resident commented that she feels having a
structure such as that with a little landscaping around it would be perfectly acceptable.
She pointed out that she likes the idea staff has to de-emphasize the use of the park
because she agrees the park was not built to accommodate all the scheduled events that
occur because it really is not that big.
Mr. White stated that he attended the neighborhood meeting and he agrees with staff to
de-emphasize the use of the park with scheduled activities because it is such a small park.
Secondly, the comment was made that the neighborhood would rather see new
playground equipment than build a bathroom and he noted that he doesn't necessarily
think it's a trade-off. Mr. White indicated, however, if the current playground equipment
is not safe than it should be taken care of as soon as possible and try to move that date up
sooner than 2001.
Mr. White indicated that the neighbors felt crime is an issue in which he responded he
doesn't necessarily see any difference between a permanent shelter building and a
satellite. In fact, the shelter building would be locked in the evenings and a satellite is
always open. Therefore, maybe a permanent shelter is safer than a satellite.
Mr. White commented that he does have a problem with people from the neighborhood
saying we don't want people coming to Wooddale Park who live outside of the
neighborhood. He stated that may be what the park was originally designed for but at this
point in time people outside of the neighborhood are advised to use all of the parks.
Mr. Keprios pointed out that they can try to look at some creative ways to keep the
satellite from being vandalized.
Mr. Herring asked about scheduling games at other locations and questioned if the
situation at Wooddale Park is really unique compared to the other parks where games are
scheduled. Mr. Keprios responded that in his opinion Wooddale Park is unique as far as
a safety issue. It's a convenient place to schedule games because of the parking, but we
have learned through experience that the park in reality is not big enough to handle that
many people. It is not a safe scenario to have children crossing 50th Street.
Ms. Bennett asked if a satellite is put in where would it physically be located. Mr.
Keprios replied that he would like to work with the neighbors to figure out where the best
location would be for it.
Mr. Dovolis MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL STAFF'S
RECOMMENDATION TO PUT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PERMANENT
COMFORT STATION ON HOLD INDEFINITELY AND RELY ON THE USE OF A
SATELLITE DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS AND HAVE MR. KEPRIOS
WORK WITH NEIGHBORHOOD TO SETTLE ON SOME SORT OF A PERMANENT
THREE SIDED STRUCTURE IF THAT'S WHAT THE NEIGHBORHOOD WANTS.
SECONDLY, PLACE SIGNS INFORMING PARK USERS THAT UTLEY IS
AVAILABLE WITH PERMANENT RESTROOMS. LASTLY, WORK TOWARDS
ELIMINATING SCHEDULED GAMES WHERE POSSIBLE AT WOODDALE PARK.
Jean Rydell SECONDED THE MOTION
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
III. YOUTH ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION BUDGETS
Ms. Bennett indicated that at the Park Board meeting two months ago the topic came up
regarding the funds that some of the associations have sitting in CD's, savings and
checking accounts. She stated that she is not here to point fingers at anyone for doing
anything inappropriate, she just has some questions and concerns. She asked how the
association's fees fall in line with what they are being charged, what they get for that
money and is there any excess money from those fees that are going into some sort of
savings account or CD. She asked if those moneys are then being used to make capital
expenditures back to the city as gifts such as what the Basketball Association did. Ms.
Bennett commented that her concern is for the families who pay those fees for their
children to participate in the sports, are they being overcharged. Also, where is the
money coming from for these big capital expenditures and gifts to the city. If it is money
raised from fees and is it really the association's function as non-profit associations to be
doing that.
Mr. Keprios indicated that each association is run a little bit differently. He then gave an
example of the Baseball Association. He noted that baseball raises quite a bit of money
by operating the concessions stand at Courtney Fields in Braemar Park. With their
profits, the EBA makes capital improvements to Braemar Park. He stated that they try
not to overcharge for their program. Mr. Keprios then explained that the Basketball
Association currently does not have a vehicle to raise money to make capital
improvements to improve their program and therefore, they do it through program fees.
Mr. Keprios explained that all of the athletic associations are independently incorporated
with the State of Minnesota and they must file a tax return every year with the IRS if their
income is at a certain level. When the IRS looks at these non-profit incorporated groups'
returns and believe that the organization has a little too much cash on hand, they are
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going to start asking them questions. What their bottom line shows is what their profit
and loss statements and expense report show is that those funds are going to improve
their sport and as far as the state and IRS are concerned that's okay. However, is that
philosophically okay with the city is a question for the Park Board and City Council.
Mr. Keprios pointed out as an example that for 1999 the Park Department has no capital
plan, there is not enough money because of levy limits and if history repeats itself there
will not be enough funding to keep up with the capital improvements that each sport
would like to see. Therefore, these associations have recognized that if they want these
improvements they are going to have to raise it on their own.
Mr. Keprios noted that staff will soon be presenting the Park Board with a proposed five
year capital plan, which right now identifies approximately 15 million dollars worth of
improvements. Aside from the larger items such as the senior center and gymnasiums
staff is suggesting that there are approximately $500,000 worth of capital improvements
needed for 1999, knowing full well that there is no money. He commented that staff is
looking at a long range plan that includes trying to find creative ways to come up with
funding.
Mr. Crowther asked Ms. Bennett if her main concern is that people are not being told
what all of their money is going towards that they are being charged as opposed to the
philosophical issue of an association paying to improve the fields. Ms. Bennett replied
that she feels people need to know if a certain percentage of the fees they are paying are
going towards improving the sport when their child is no longer even playing that sport.
Mr. Crowther pointed out that all of the athletic associations are independently
incorporated and are not part of the city. The City grants them use of their facilities but
they don't own or operate them. Mr. Herring added that the City provides them preferred
use of the facility.
Ms. Dovolis pointed out that the number of kids who participate in each sport fluctuates
from year to year and therefore it's hard to know how many kids will be participating
each year.
Ms. Bennett indicated that she has had families tell her that their kids cannot participate
in hockey, for example, because they cannot afford it, it costs too much. Mr. Crowther
pointed out that all of the associations offer scholarships so there is a mechanism offered
for everyone to be able to participate.
Ms. Bennett asked Mr. Keprios if he feels all the fees across the board are in line with
what is being charged for each child to play that season. Mr. Keprios responded that it
depends on how you view the whole picture of funding and the philosophy of those who
play pay. For example, the golfer in all essence pays for his or her own capital
improvements at the golf course every time they play a round also the hockey player does
every time they rent an hour of ice. Mr. Keprios commented that all of the enterprise
facilities follow that philosophy. He then pointed out that basketball does not pay for
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their gym time and the only vehicle for them to improve their capital plan is through their
registrations. The golfers do it through their fees and charges.
Mr. Keprios indicated that we could approach this in a different way if we feel that we
want to raise capital funding on our own and not leave that up to the responsibility of the
associations who don't have a vehicle to raise funds. He explained that we could start
charging them for the use of facilities and collect it as part of the capital plan. Mr.
Keprios stated that he intends to get all of the athletic association presidents together for a
group meeting and this is one issue that he does plan to bring up. Also, he will ask the
associations if they are being up front and honest with their participants that a portion of
their registration fee goes to capital improvements down the road. Mr. Keprios indicated
that maybe they should separate that out and give them an option and throw that out for at
least discussion if there is some concern.
Mr. Montgomery indicated that a lot of the associations have contributed back to the city
but others have not. He noted for example EGAA has not contributed and they have
$53,000 in the bank. Mr. Keprios responded that philosophically he has always
questioned whether EGAA should be taking registration dollars and giving it away in
scholarships for former participants to go to college. Apparently there is a vehicle for
them to do that through the IRS and it is legitimate. Philosophically, however, he has a
problem with that. Mr. Keprios indicated that a rule of thumb we have learned that non-
profit organizations should always maintain approximately 15% of their annual operating
budget in reserve.
Mr. Dovolis commented that Mr. Keprios brought up a good point in that all of the
associations presidents get together and discuss these issues. Ms. Bennett noted that she
thinks it's wonderful that the associations give back to the city, she just questions does
everyone know what their money is being used for and feels that all of the associations
should be on the same page. Mr. Crowther indicated that he agrees there should be a
commonality for what every association does from an operating standpoint.
Mr. Crowther asked that this issue be looked at again in the future for the Park Board to
discuss after the associations presidents have had their meeting.
IV. OTHER
A. Off -Leash Area -Mr. Montgomery asked whatever happened with the off -leash issue
at Todd Park. He noted that he heard someone was supposed to contact him and he has
heard nothing. Mr. Keprios indicated that he will follow-up with that.
V. ADJOURNMENT
John Dovolis MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:40 P.M. Bill Jenkins
SECONDED THE MOTION. MEETING ADJOURNED.
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HEALTHY YOUTH
40 Developmental Assets
Search Institute has identified the following building blocks of
healthy development that help young people grow up healthy,
caring, and responsible.
TYPE
ASSET NAME AND DEFINITION
1. Family support -Family life provides high levels of love and support.
2. Positive family communication -Young person and her or his parent(s) communicate positively, and
young person is willing to seek parent(s) advice and counsel.
SUPPORT
3. Other adult relationships -Young person receives support from three or more non -parent adults.
4. Caring neighborhood -Young person experiences caring neighbors.
5. Caring school climate --School provides a caring, encouraging environment.
6. Parent involvement in schooling-Parent(s) are actively involved in helping young person succeed in school.
7. Community values youth -Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth.
8. Youth as resources -Young people are given useful roles in the community.
EMPOWERMENT
9. Service to others -Young person serves in the community one hour or more per week.
_
10. Safety -Young person feels safe at home, school, and in the neighborhood.
11. Family boundaries -Family has clear rules and consequences, and monitors the young person's whereabouts.
12. School boundaries --School provides clear rules and consequences.
BOUNDARIES &
13. Neighborhood boundaries -Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring young people's behavior.
EXPECTATIONS
14. Adult role models -Parents) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior.
15. Positive peer influence Young person's best friends model responsible behavior.
16. High expectations -Both parent(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.
17. Creative activities -Young person spends three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, the-
ater, or other arts.
CONSTRUCTIVE
18. Youth programs -Young person spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, or organizations at
USE OF TIME
school and/or in community organizations.
19. Religious community -Young person spends one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution.
20. Time at home -Young person is out with friends "with nothing special to do," two or fewer nights per week.
21. Achievement motivation -Young person is motivated to do well in school.
COMMITMENT
22• School engagement -Young person is actively engaged in learning.
TO LEARNING
23. ` Homework -Young person reports doing at least one hour of homework every school day.
24. Bonding to school -Young person cares about her or his school.
25. Reading for pleasure -Young person reads for pleasure three or more hours per week.
26. Caring -Young person places high value on helping other people.
27. Equality and social justice -Young person places high value on promoting equality and reducing hunger
POSITIVE
and poverty'
28• Integrity -Young person acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs.
VALUES
29. Honesty Young person "tells the truth even when it is not easy."
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30. Responsibility -Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.
31. Restraint -Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs.
32. Planning and decision -making -Young person knows how to plan ahead and make choices.
33. Interpersonal competence -Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills.
SOCIAL
34, Cultural competence -Young person has knowledge of and comfort with people of different
COMPETENCIES
culturaUracial/ethnic backgrounds.
35. Resistance skills -Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.
36. Peaceful conflict resolution -Young person seeks to resolve conflict non-violently.
37. Personal power -Young person feels he or she has control over "things that happen to me."
POSITIVE
38. Self -esteem -Young person reports having a high self-esteem.
IDENTITY
39. Sense of purpose -Young person reports that "my life has a purpose."
40. Positive view of personal future -Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future.
Search Proalcal research Permission to reproduce this chart is granted for educational, non-commercial purposes only.
benefiting children Copyright 0 1996 by Search Institute, 700 S. Third Street, Suite 210, Minneapolis, MN 55415. For
information on asset building and Search Institute's national Heahh.y Communities • Healdhy Youth
a>d �r I Ohl
i N s T i T u r e initiative, call 1-800-888-7828. Or visit our web site at http://www.searcii-institu(e.org
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I. GENERAL INFORMATION
This manual gives you a complete view of the procedures involved in administering the survey
Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors. The quality of the results
depends on the quality of the administration. Therefore, the information that follows is a valuable
foundation for a careful and successful study.
Not all of the information in this manual may be relevant to your particular study. The manual
intends to guide your efforts and answer questions as you proceed.
SEARCH INSTITUTE Search Institute is a nonprofit organization founded in 1958.
Its mission is to generate knowledge and promote its
application to advance the well-being of adolescents and
children. It does so through scientific research, evaluation,
consultation and training, and the development of practical
resources for families and others who work with youth. Search
Institute is supported by grants and contracts from foundations,
federal and state government agencies, and corporations and
by contributions from the public.
Much of Search Institute's work involves in-depth research that
explores the issues and needs of youth and families and the
effectiveness of programs that address those needs. A major
focus of Search Institute's current efforts is identifying the
developmental assets—or building blocks—essential for the
positive development of our youth. The survey Search
Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors
measures 40 such developmental assets and has been the
catalyst for a growing number of communities seeking to
improve the lives of their families and youth.
THE ATTITUDES AND Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and
BEHAVIORS SURVEY Behaviors was developed in 1989, with major revisions made
in 1996. It is a 156 -item survey that measures eight principal
asset domains: support, empowerment, boundaries and
expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to
learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive
identity.
In addition to measuring developmental assets, the survey
also measures eight thriving indicators (succeeds in school,
helps others, values diversity, maintains good health, exhibits
leadership, resists danger, delays gratification, overcomes
adversity), five developmental deficits (alone at home, TV
overexposure, physical abuse, victim of violence, drinking
parties), and 24 risk-taking behaviors (such as chemical use,
sexual involvement, antisocial behavior).
0 Search Institute Profiles of Student Life Administration Manual Page I
The Attitudes and Behaviors report provides schools and
communities with detailed information about the level of
assets among their youth, as well as the relationship of assets
to risk behaviors and to positive (thriving) behaviors.
Individual community studies continue to show that as the
number of assets increases, involvement in risk behavior
decreases and involvement in thriving behavior increases.
SURVEY PURPOSE There are several reasons why a school or community may
decide to administer the Attitudes and Behaviors survey, such
as:
• To gather systematic data on its youth;
• To measure risk behaviors;
• To identify key strengths and values;
• To discover the factors that help promote positive youth
development among your youth;
• To assist state and local educators in monitoring indicators
related to student well-being;
• To set priorities and strategies for programs and services;
• To provide a common framework for cross -sector
mobilization; and
• To provide data to program funders such as Safe and Drug
Free Schools.
GRADE LEVELS The survey is designed for students in grades 6 through 12.
Any combination of these grades may be surveyed.
Depending upon the size of the student population, the
number of students surveyed at each grade level may vary. It
is important that you consult with Search Institute about
sample size and sampling procedures. (See also "Selecting
Participants," page 7.)
Note: Although grade 5 is listed on the survey for those
occasions when a 5th -grade student is in a combined class
with 6th -graders, the survey is not intended to be used with
students in 5th grade. Search Institute has not conducted any
field tests to determine the survey's age -appropriateness for
this grade level. In addition, the Attitudes and Behaviors
report includes data for grades 6 through 12 only.
TIME REQUIRED School and Community Preparation. The length of time
needed for the entire survey process will vary by community.
In those communities or schools where there is wide
agreement about the importance of this survey, the timeline
may be as short as three months from start to finish. In other
communities, more time may be needed for forming a task
force, identifying core concerns among many sectors (such as
schools, business, parents, and faith institutions), determining
the goals of the study, and choosing the best method for
achieving those goals.
Z
Page 2 Search Institute Profiles of Student Life Administration Manual
Consult with Search Institute. The first step in getting your
survey process underway is to consult with Search Institute
regarding sampling, timing of the survey administration, and
cost.
Order surveys. Search Institute will ship the surveys and other
administration materials via UPS within two weeks of
receiving your written order. For a list of other materials you
will need, see page 11.
Survey Administration. The survey takes approximately 50
minutes for students to complete. Although students in upper
grade levels may finish in less time, Search Institute strongly
recommends that an entire class period be allowed for survey
administration. (If a typical class period is less than 40
minutes, please consult with Search Institute.) Students with
learning disabilities or for whom English is a second language
may require additional time or special administration
procedures. (See page 8 for more information.)
Report. Completed surveys are returned to Search Institute,
where they are scanned, and the appropriate reports are
generated. Reports are mailed approximately 8 to 10 weeks
from the time Search Institute receives your completed
surveys.
0 Search Institute Profiles of Student Life Admrnistration Manual Page 3
III. PREPARATION FOR SURVEY ADMINISTRATION
The following steps are critical for conducting a quality study using the Attitudes and Behaviors
survey.
SURVEY COORDINATOR The survey coordinator is Search Institute's contact person in
the school or community conducting the survey. The
coordinator's role includes the following tasks:
• Select the student participants;
• Secure parental consent (if required);
• Schedule survey administration date;
• Notify survey administrators of date and procedures;
• Collect completed surveys and ship to Search Institute;
• Distribute copies of the report to the appropriate person(s).
The survey coordinator may be someone from a school (such
as a principal, counselor, teacher, or other school staff), from
an organization sponsoring the study (such as 4-H Extension or
Department of Human Services), or a community volunteer.
Appendix A contains a Checklist for Survey Coordinators. Use
of the checklist is optional but may help the coordinator track
the many details associated with a study of this kind.
SELECTING PARTICIPANTS Search Institute recommends one of the following methods be
used for selecting participants:
• Survey all students in grades 6 through 12;
• Survey all students in selected grades (e:g., 6, 8, 10, 12);
• Draw a random sample of students using an enrollment
roster; or
• Draw a random sample of classrooms.
If all students are to be surveyed, you may select a certain
class period (e.g., 2nd hour) at which time all students are
given the survey regardless of the subject area they are
generally taught during that period. Another method is to
select a subject that all students in particular grade levels
must take and administer the survey during that particular
subject, regardless of class period. Choose the method that
allows for as close to 100 percent of the students being
surveyed as possible. Avoid class periods during which
students are more apt to be absent, such as first period or at
the end of the day (when some students are dismissed for jobs
or off -campus classes).
For larger school systems, a random sample may be used. In
the random sample process, the most critical task of the
coordinator is to ensure that the students selected to
participate are representative of all students in the grade
levels involved. The worth of the study hinges on this process,
so great care needs to be taken.
Search institute Profiles of Student Life Administration Manual Page 7
There are two basic approaches to random sampling:
(1) Sampling Students. In this method, you randomly select as
many names as you need for the study from the roster of all
students at a designated grade level. Search Institute can
help you determine the number of students to survey and the
method for selecting students. Using this method means that
the selected students will need to be released from their
regular class activity and gathered in one location for the
survey administration.
(2) Sampling by Classroom. To determine the number of
classrooms needed, first consult with Search Institute
regarding an adequate sample size. If, for example, it is
determined that 250 8th -grade students should be surveyed,
determine the number of classrooms this number represents.
If there are approximately 25 students per classroom, you will
need about 10 classrooms of 8th -grade students. Select a
class subject that all 8th -grade students must take, regardless
of achievement level (e.g., English, Social Studies). To
randomly select these ten classes, assign numbers to all of the
classes in that subject area, write each number on a separate
piece of paper, mix up the numbers, and select ten numbers.
It is very important to select classes randomly and equally
important not to select a subject designed for specific
achievement levels.
Search Institute will work with you to design a sampling frame
for your study. This is particularly important when, in large
studies, individual school reports may be requested in
addition to an overall aggregate report.
ADMINISTERING TO Special administration procedures may be necessary in some
STUDENTS WITH cases, such as students with learning or physical disabilities
SPECIAL NEEDS or for whom English is a second language.
Because of the sensitive nature of the Attitudes and Behaviors
survey and the potential self-report of illegal behavior, the
primary concern in survey administration must be to maintain
the anonymity of each student's responses. In some cases, a
disability (such as blindness) may prevent a student from
participating, since it would not be possible for her or his
responses to be anonymous with a paper -pencil survey format
and since other formats (such as computer or Braille versions)
are not available. In other cases, special arrangements may
be made to facilitate participation. Some examples follow.
For students with learning disabilities (LD), the survey
administrator may read the survey aloud to a group of
students or to an individual. To protect the students'
answers from being seen, a screen may be used to separate
the survey administrator from the students. It is important
that students with learning disabilities take the survey in a
room with minimal distractions.
In addition to reading the survey aloud, the survey
administrator may define words or concepts not understood
by the student(s).
Page 8 Search Institute Profiles of Student Life Administration Manual
It may be that the students will need assistance only
through the first few questions, until they are comfortable
with the survey format. In this case, the survey
administrator may read aloud the first few questions and
response options, and after that, be available to answer
questions of individual students. For larger groups of
students with special needs, perhaps more than one person
could be available in the room to respond to
individual student questions.
Students for whom English is a second language (ESL)
may require a survey administrator who can verbally
translate the instructions as well as the questions and
response options. Similar methods may be used here as
with students with learning disabilities in terms of
maintaining anonymity. The primary objective is to
protect the anonymity of the students' responses.
In cases where a significant portion of the student
population is of one specific language and/or ethnic
group (other than English-speaking), it is important to
include members from the ethnic group in the initial
planning phases and decision-making processes for the
survey. It is also beneficial to have the survey administrator
for the ESL students be of the same race/ethnicity as the
majority of those students.
In all cases, consult with your school district's ESL or LD
program coordinator.
PARENT AND STUDENT The type of consent required for a study depends on the
CONSENT relevant federal, state, and local regulations. In general,
there are three methods for informing parents about the
survey.
• A general written announcement is provided, such as in a
school newsletter.
• Passive consent is requested when parents are asked to fill
out a form or call the school if they do not want their child
to participate in the study. Consent is assumed if no such
request is made.
• Positive (or active) consent is requested when parents are
informed that they must return a signed permission slip for
their child to participate in the study. Consent cannot
be assumed if no form is returned.
Regardless of the method used, Search Institute recommends
that parents be informed about the survey. Information that is
shared with parents should include:
• Why the survey is being done;
• How and when it will be administered;
• In what format the findings are reported (i.e., in aggregate
form only, not by individual students);
• Whether (or how) the findings will be shared with the
community at large; i
Search Institute Profiles of Student Life Administration Manual Page 9
• That a student's grades will not be affected by her or his
participation or nonparticipation; and
• How nonparticipating students will be handled (e.g.,
removed from the classroom to a study hall).
Search Institute also recommends that a copy of the survey be
made available at each participating school for parents to
review.
When positive consent is used, additional pre -survey lead time
is needed for receiving signed consent forms. Initial response
rates tend to be low, so follow-up procedures are generally
needed. The quality of the data is dependent on a high
response rate.
Students also have the right to refuse participation.
Encourage participation by noting the importance of the
study, how the information will be used, and methods for
ensuring anonymity. Do not mandate participation. (See
Administration Instructions, Appendix B.)
The survey coordinator should provide survey administrators
with the names of students for whom parental consent has not
been received. Special arrangements may be made to
remove students to another setting or nonparticipating
students may be instructed to study at their desks.
Sample positive and passive consent letters for parents (which
are intended to be adapted to fit your study) are found in
Appendix C. A one-page fact sheet (Appendix D) about
Search Institute and the survey may be duplicated and sent to
parents.
For more information regarding federal legislation on parental
consent, see Appendix E.
CHOOSING THE Several factors will influence when the survey administration
SURVEY DATE should take place, including the length of time required for
approval by key decision makers, amount of time needed for
parental consent (if necessary), and the school calendar.
Choose a time:
• When it is most convenient for teachers to have the survey
done in their classes;
• When the greatest percentage of students will be in school
(not on a field trip nor involved in a special program);
• That is not immediately following summer vacation or a
major holiday period.
Let all people potentially affected know the date as soon as
possible. If several schools are involved in a study, coordinate
times so that administration dates are within the same general
time period (within the same week, if possible).
G
Page 10 Search Institute Profiles of Student Life Administration Manual
SURVEY ADMINISTRATORS For each classroom chosen for the study, the survey
coordinator designates a survey administrator. The survey
administrator can be the survey coordinator, a school staff
person (e.g., counselor, principal, classroom teacher), a
volunteer, or some other person with experience in the
classroom.
If at all possible, the survey coordinator should provide an
opportunity for survey administrators to get together and
discuss both the administration procedures and the survey. If
a meeting of this type is not possible, a copy of the survey and
administration instructions should be distributed to survey
administrators in advance of the survey date. An important
element in the success of the survey process is helping survey
administrators understand the importance of the study itself, as
well as the importance of following the survey administration
procedure.
If the survey administrator is someone other than the
classroom teacher, the coordinator may determine whether
the teacher should also stay in the classroom.
MATERIALS NEEDED For each survey session/classroom, the survey coordinator
provides to the survey administrator the following materials:
• Survey forms (1 per student);
• Pencils (#2 or softer; 1 per student);
• A large envelope (1 per classroom); and
• Administration instructions (1 per classroom, Appendix B).
In order to protect the anonymity of students, all survey forms
are placed in the envelope at the end of the survey
administration session. The envelope is sealed in front of the
students and ultimately returned to Search Institute for
processing.
If it is helpful to your check-in process, the survey coordinator
may request that each survey administrator write the following
information on the envelope:
• School name (if more than one is participating in the
study);
• Survey administrator's name;
• Date;
• Subject and class period; and
• Grade level(s) in classroom.
This is particularly helpful if more than one school is
participating in the study. If more than one school
participates and individual school reports are to be
prepared, each envelope must be clearly marked with the
school name.
Search Institute Profiles of Student Life Administration Manual Page I
® IV. MAILING THE COMPLETED SURVEYS
The final task is to collect all the envelopes from the survey administrators and ship them to Search
Institute.
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS After all survey envelopes have been returned to the survey
coordinator, he or she then needs to complete the two-sided
Survey Administration Form. (Use the one enclosed in your
original shipment from Search Institute or copy the form found
in Appendix F.)
• Processing of your report will be delayed if the
Survey Administration Form(s) is not included
with your shipment.
• If individual school reports are to be generated,
surveys must be separated by school and a Survey
Administration Form completed for each.
Place survey envelopes in one or more boxes and ship to
Search Institute using a carrier that allows you to track your
packages should they be lost in transit (e.g., UPS, certified
mail, the carrier used by your school district).
Ship to Search Institute at the following address:
Search Institute
Attn: Survey Services
700 S. Third Street, Suite 210
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Your report(s) will be mailed to the survey coordinator
approximately 8 to 10 weeks after completed surveys are
received at Search Institute.
Page 12 Search Institute Profiles of Student Life Administration Manual
Fact Sheet for Parents Regarding
Search Institute Profiles of Student Life:
Attitudes and Behaviors 8
Search Institute
Search Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 1958. It is a nonprofit research and
evaluation organization that promotes the well-being and positive development of children and
youth. It does so by conducting scientific research and interpreting the findings. The findings are
used to develop programs, resources, and services for families, schools, religious organizations, and
communities.
Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors
The Attitudes and Behaviors survey provides schools and communities with a portrait of the
attitudes, behaviors, and needs of its youth. The survey has been administered by over 1,300
public and private schools and to over 400,000 students in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The
survey contains 156 questions on such topics as school climate, parent and school boundaries and
expectations, and structured time use, as well as various risk behaviors such as chemical use and
antisocial behavior.
Common Concerns
Some of the questions parents may ask are these:
By taking the survey, will my child be encouraged to try some of the risk behaviors it
addresses?
There is no evidence to indicate that asking questions about risk behaviors encourages young
people to become involved in those behaviors. Also, there are many federal regulations f4
specifically addressing the protection of people involved in research of all types, including survey
research conducted in public school settings. Protection of parent and student rights is very
important to Search Institute and we comply with all appropriate federal regulations. We also take
great care to provide information about applicable federal regulations to any organization using
our survey service.
How do you know whether students are answering truthfully?
Search Institute uses computer-based methods for looking at each survey to determine whether
students are answering truthfully. For example, the computer looks for inconsistencies in the way
students respond to similar questions. The computer program also looks for unrealistically high -
substance use and for too many unanswered items. Surveys with these kinds of problems are not
used in the report findings. The percentage of surveys removed from individual school or
community studies has remained quite consistent over time. When too many surveys are being
eliminated, the resulting data may not be of good quality; and Search Institute may make the
decision that a report cannot be generated.
Will anyone know how my child answers the questions?
Anonymity is a very important issue for surveys like this. In its 40 years of work in this area, Search
Institute has created careful procedures to ensure that no student's results can be traced back to an
individual student. Students do not put their names on the surveys and there are no hidden
identification marks on the surveys. Thus, the surveys are completed anonymously.
As students complete their surveys, they place them in one envelope that is sealed at the end of
the class period. The survey coordinator collects the envelopes from each class and ships the
Search Institute for analysis.
All findings are reported in aggregate form only by combining student responses by grade and b
gender. No individual student responses are reported.
Search Institute
Profiles of Student Life:
Attitudes and Behaviors
Prepared by:
Search Institute
Thresher Square West
700 South Third Street, Suite 210
Minneapolis, MN 55415
800-888-7828
Rev. 9/98
Search Institute Profiles of Student Life:
Attitudes and Behaviors
General Information
Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors is a survey service
that gives communities a portrait of the developmental assets, deficits, risk behaviors, and
thriving indicators of their 6th- to 12th -grade students.
The survey has become a catalyst for many communities joining in Search Institute's
Healthy Communities • Healthy Youth initiative. This national effort seeks to motivate
and equip individuals, organizations, and their leaders to join together in nurturing caring
and responsible children and adolescents. The survey provides baseline data for
developing asset -building strategies and creating positive new visions for the youth in
your community.
This survey service includes the following:
• Consultation on sample size and steps in survey administration
• A detailed administration manual
• Surveys
• Scanning of completed surveys
• Data analysis
An 80 -page report with graphics and explanatory text, and a nine -page Executive
Summary
• Resources to help communities in their mobilization efforts
Your report will include the following:
Part I: Introduction
Part I includes narrative descriptions about the developmental asset framework,
how your study was conducted, and how to use your report.
Part II. Portrait of Developmental Assets
Part II details the levels of external assets, internal assets, and deficits as
reported by your students. Data are presented by total sample, gender, and
grade.
Part III: Portrait of Risk -Taking Behaviors and Thriving Indicators
Part III details the levels of 24 risk behaviors, ten high-risk behavior patterns,
and eight thriving indicators as reported by your youth. Data are presented by
total sample, gender, and grade.
Part IV: The Power of Developmental Assets
Part IV details the levels of risk behaviors, high-risk behavior patterns, and
thriving indicators by four asset levels: 0-10, 11-20, 21-30, and 31-40.
Part V.• From Awareness to Action
Part V includes narrative descriptions of the challenge facing communities in
their efforts toward positive youth development, the importance of promoting
developmental assets, and steps for taking action.
Appendices
• A list of all survey items with response option percentages
• Item mapping to assets, deficits, risk-taking behaviors, high-risk behavior
patterns, and thriving indicators
• A bibliography of the theory and research undergirding Search Institute's
framework of developmental assets
• Search Institute asset -promoting print and video resources
Following are some of the most frequently asked questions about this survey service.
What is the cost of the survey service?
SURVEYS*
REPORTS
100-5,000 surveys
$2.00 each
5,025 to 20,000 surveys
$1.75 each
Over 20,000 surveys
$1.65 each
Initial aggregate report $700
Each sub -report $500
*Surveys come shrink-wrapped in packets of 25 and must be ordered in multiples of 25,
with a minimum order of 4 packets (100 surveys) required. Unopened, reusable packets
may be returned for credit.
Costs include telephone consultation on sampling issues and survey administration
procedures, surveys, administration manual, survey scanning, data analysis, an 80 -page
report, and supporting print resources.
Organizations will be invoiced at two points during the survey process. An invoice for
the surveys themselves will follow their delivery. A second invoice for report processing
will follow the completion of the report(s). Surveys and report processing must be
purchased together. Surveys are not sold separately.
How many students should be surveyed?
Surveys may be administered to students in grades 6 through 12. For smaller schools or
school districts, you will want to survey all students in each participating grade. For
studies involving large school districts, counties, or states, contact Search Institute for
assistance on drawing an appropriate, representative sample.
Search Institute recommends using one of the following methods for selecting
participants:
• Survey all students in grades 6 through 12
• Survey all students in selected grades (e.g., 6, 8, 10, 12)
• Draw a random sample of classrooms
• Draw a random sample of students using an enrollment roster
Which method is most suitable for your community will depend on a number of factors
such as the size of your student population, the number of school buildings involved, the
type of report(s) needed, and which method will provide the easiest administration
procedures.
Search Institute requires a minimum order of 100 surveys. However, to maintain student
confidentiality, there must be a minimum of 30 students per grade and gender in order for
2
Search Institute to report data by these subgroups. When sample sizes are small, grade
data will be combined to achieve the 30 student minimum. Data will not be reported for
either gender if the minimum of 30 students is not attained for one or both genders.
Because of the minimum requirements for reporting data, final sample sizes of fewer than
100 students means there will probably be missing data throughout the report. Search
Institute recommends that the full report be purchased when the final sample size is
greater than 100 students. For subgroups of 50-100 students, an Executive Summary
may be purchased for $100.00. No report will be prepared on samples of fewer than 50
students.
Please note that the number of surveys returned to Search Institute will probably not be
the number used in your final report, as surveys are removed from the data set for various
reasons such as inconsistent responding and missing data on 40 or more items. (See also
How do you know students are answering truthfully? below.)
How much time is needed for the survey process?
Implementation: The length of time needed for the entire survey process will vary by
community. In those communities or schools where there is general consensus about the
use of this survey, the timeline may be as short as three months from start to finish. In
other communities, more time may be needed for forming a task force, identifying core
concerns among many sectors (such as schools, business, parents, and faith institutions),
determining the goals of the study, and choosing the best method for achieving those
goals.
• Ordering materials: Search Institute will send the surveys and administration materials
within two weeks of receiving your written order.
Survey administration: The survey contains 156 questions and takes approximately 50
minutes to administer. Students in the upper grade levels may complete the survey in less
time; however, we strongly recommend that one full classroom period be allowed for
survey administration. Search Institute also recommends that when more than one school
building is involved in a study, data should be collected within a two-week time period.
Report: Completed surveys are returned to Search Institute where they are scanned and
the appropriate reports generated. Reports are mailed approximately 8-10 weeks from
the time Search Institute receives your completed surveys.
Who administers the survey?
The school or sponsoring agency is responsible for administering the survey. Most often
this is done by classroom teachers or school counselors. You may use volunteers or other
school personnel, but they should be comfortable in a classroom setting and able to
maintain a serious atmosphere during survey administration.
Is parental consent required to administer the survey?
Whether or not consent is required for your study depends upon relevant federal, state, or
local regulations. There are three basic methods for informing parents about the survey:
• General parent notification, such as an article placed in a school newsletter.
Search Institute recommends that such notifications inform parents of their right
to remove their child from the study.
• Passive consent, in which a letter is sent to the parents, and parents must fill out a
form or call the school if they do not want their child to participate in the study.
Consent is assumed if no such request is made.
• Positive consent, in which parents must return a signed permission slip for their
child to participate in the study. Consent cannot be assumed if no form is
returned.
For more information about parent consent regulations, contact Search Institute or your
local school district's legal counsel.
Where did the developmental asset framework come from?
The developmental asset framework grew out of Search Institute's research over the past
decade. The framework was expanded from 30 to 40 developmental based on analysis of
data gathered on 254,000 students, additional synthesis of child and adolescent research,
and consultations with researchers and practitioners. The theoretical underpinnings of the
developmental asset framework reside in the research pertaining to risk and resiliency,
prevention, and health promotion.
Have the survey items been tested for reliability and validity?
Reliability refers to the degree to which a procedure measures something without error.
In other words, it is the degree to which something is measured consistently.
Validity is the degree to which a procedure measures what it is intending to measure.
Many of the measures used on this survey have an extensive history through Search
Institute's work. Other items have been developed in other methodological studies. For
example, many of the measures of alcohol and other drug use are from the study entitled
Monitoring the Future (conducted by the Survey Research Center, Institute for Social
Research, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan). Some items are
developed through a process of pilot testing, pre -testing, and question revision.
As with most studies dealing with anonymous self-reported data, there is no direct,
objective validation of the measures used. However, a considerable amount of evidence
strongly indicates that self-report questions produce largely valid data. Perhaps the prime
evidence is in the consistency of patterns within the data and the consistency of findings
across a number of years.
How do you know students are answering truthfully?
Over our nearly 40 years of doing survey work, we have built into our computer
programs ways of pulling out surveys that seem invalid. For example, eliminated are
surveys with 40 or more unanswered questions, surveys that give very disparate
information on two similar items, surveys that have excessively unrealistic responses to
key items, and surveys with inconsistencies within time frames. Sometimes an item is
included as a lie indicator. The percentage of students' surveys that are eliminated from
data analysis consistently holds at about 5 percent. In addition, we have seen that if
survey administration is carried out with utmost attention paid to student confidentiality
and anonymity, and if the study is presented as a serious endeavor, students tend to
respond with seriousness and forthrightness.
4
Why do you ask questions about sensitive issues such as sexual intercourse and
substance use, especially of students as young as 6th grade?
Like many risky behaviors, involvement in too -early sexual activity or use of alcohol or
other drugs occurs at young ages. For example, according to national data, ten percent of
middle school students have had sexual intercourse.
Although some adults may be concerned that youth not already engaging in such
behaviors will get the idea to do so by reading these questions, no research studies have
shown this to be the case. In addition, Search Institute includes these items to
demonstrate to communities that the asset -building approach is one important strategy for
the prevention of many high-risk behaviors, including too -early sexual activity and
substance use. The power of the assets has been consistent across all the communities
that have used the survey—the more assets a young person has, the less likely he or she is
to be involved in these risk behaviors.
Can we use the survey as a pre post measure of change or for program evaluation?
The Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors survey was
designed to provide aggregate -level data for individual communities. It was not designed
as an individual assessment instrument nor as a program evaluation tool. Factors that
affect the use of the survey for these purposes include:
(1) Students complete the survey anonymously, making pre -post measurement or
program evaluation difficult as student populations will probably change between the two
(or more) survey administrations due to absenteeism, school drop -outs, or mobility of
students.
(2) For simplicity of communication with communities, assets are measured
dichotomously (that is, students either "have" or "do not have" the asset). It is possible
for changes to occur in the assets between the two (or more) survey administrations, but
not at a level that will affect the percentage of youth reporting a particular asset.
(3) When measuring the effectiveness of specific programs, program -specific questions
should be asked --questions that are probably not included on this survey instrument.
Although it is possible for the survey to be used for other than its intended purpose, such
survey methods require stricter survey administration procedures, the loss of anonymity
of student responses, and increased cost. Requests of this nature will be considered on a
case-by-case basis by the Data Services Area at Search Institute.
If findings from the survey are consistent across communities, why should a
community survey its own youth?
Although it is true that trends and patterns in assets are consistent across communities,
the details of each community are unique. For example, Search Institute consistently
finds that, on average, youth have fewer than half of the 40 assets. Individual community
data differ, however, on the degree to which each asset is being experienced by youth.
Knowing which individual assets are being experienced and which are not can help focus
a community's efforts around asset building and positive youth development.
It is important to note, however, that use of the survey is not a prerequisite to starting a
Healthy Communities • Healthy Youth initiative in your community. In some
communities, the survey is not administered until well after an initiative has begun.
Some communities choose not to administer the survey at all.
Are there national data available on the 40 assets?
Search Institute has an aggregate data set representing 99,462 public school students in
grades 6 through 12. These students are from roughly 213 towns and cities in 25 states.
This data set is used by Search Institute for its many publications. Some caution should
be used in comparing your community's data to this aggregate data set as the data set is
not based on a nationally representative sample. These data were gathered through
independent community studies across the school year 1996-97. While a community
may use these data as a barometer of how similar or different its youth are compared to
the youth represented in this larger sample, Search Institute strongly recommends that
each community set its own goals based on where it wants its young people to be rather
than where the young people in this data set are.
Who owns the information contained in the report?
The information presented in the final report is the property of the school or organization
for which the report is written. Dissemination of report findings is therefore at the
discretion of that school or organization. Search Institute treats the data as confidential.
Search Institute does reserve the right to combine data across communities and to report
data in this aggregate form without naming communities or attaching data to specific
communities.
If there is resistance in our community about doing the survey, how can we enlist the
support of sectors such as school boards, businesses, and parents?
The best approach in presenting the Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes
and Behaviors survey is to become knowledgeable about the asset framework and the
way in which it can help focus a community's efforts around positive youth development.
Search Institute has a number of resources pertaining to Healthy Communities • Healthy
Youth initiatives including training, speakers, consulting services, and numerous print
and video resources. For more information or for a free resource catalogue, please
contact Search Institute at 800-888-7828.
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