We all want our kids to grow into ethical, responsible, caring people. This is one reason why so many families work so hard to place their children in Catholic schools.
Research from the field of positive youth development justifies this investment. This research centers on the relationship between positive youth development and the environment surrounding youth.
According to Search Institute, a nonprofit organization which has the most extensive database in the world on developmental assets and youth development, there are 20 'external assets' which are proven to improve children's' chances of developing the 'internal assets' they need to avoid risks, develop positive personalities, and achieve to their potential. The table below lists the twenty external assets plus the estimated percentage of United States children in grades 6 through 12 who actually have these assets in their lives.
It is worth noting how many of these developmental assets are present in the environment of a typical Catholic school. From family support, to a caring school climate, to parental involvement in schooling, to a strong religious community, it is easy to see that Catholic schools provide a climate rich in developmental assets. These assets are an important reason why Catholic schools have been able to perform so well.
Estimated Percent of U.S. Youth Reporting 20 External Assets as Defined by Search Institute
The percentages of young people who report experiencing each asset were gathered from the administration of the Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors survey to almost 150,000 6th- to 12th-grade youth in 202 communities across the United States in calendar year 2003.
Support
| 1. Family Support |
68% |
| 2. Positive Family Communication |
28% |
| 3. Other Adult Relationships |
43% |
| 4. Caring Neighborhood |
37% |
| 5. Caring School Climate |
29% |
| 6. Parent Involvement in Schooling |
29% |
Empowerment
| 7. Community Values Youth |
22% |
| 8. Youth as Resources |
26% |
| 9. Service to Others |
48% |
| 10. Safety |
51% |
Boundaries and Expectations
| 11. Family Boundaries |
46% |
| 12. School Boundaries |
52% |
| 13. Neighborhood Boundaries |
47% |
| 14. Adult Role Models |
27% |
| 15. Positive Peer Influence |
63% |
| 16. High Expectations |
48% |
Constructive Use of Time
| 17. Creative Activities |
21% |
| 18. Youth Programs |
57% |
| 19. Religious Community |
58% |
| 20. Time at Home |
51% |