This article is the first to describe the discoursal construction of an adolescent community of practice (CoP) in a non-school setting. CoPs can provide optimal learning environments. The adolescent community centered around science journalism and positioned itself dichotomously in relationship to school literacy practices. The analysis focuses on…

The BHB Theory (Haggis, 2011) is based on an empirical case study that examined teachers' perceptions of what they do in their educational settings to create a positive learning environment for troubled youth in their classrooms. Research--including this study--indicates a need for transformational change in how teachers interrelate with students…

The 4-H Health Rocks! curriculum aims to reduce use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs and promote healthful lifestyle choices among 8- to 14-year-old youths. A retrospective "post-then-pre" survey of Tennessee participants was aimed at describing the demographic characteristics of participants and investigating respondents'…

Previous research raised questions on the validity of survey studies with the teen population. As one response, our team implemented a mixed-methods study to evaluate an evidence-based, interactive curriculum, "Wise Guys," which is designed to promote healthy relationships and sexual behavior in young men ages 4-17. The current study…

There is significant policy interest in the issue of young people's fractured transitions into the labour market. Many scholars and policy-makers believe that changes in the education system and labour market over recent decades have created a complex world for young people; and that this can partly be addressed by enhanced career education while…

Youth participation in meaningful and purposive civic organizations and activities not only impacts the participants' development, but also influences their involvement in their communities both today and in the future. The combination of the two studies included in this dissertation examine just that. Both studies were conducted utilizing…

The District of Columbia's Youth Bullying Prevention Act of 2012 (YBPA; DC Law L19-167) requires the mayor to review the programs, activities, services, and policies established as a result of the Act; report the current status of bullying in the District of Columbia; and provide recommendations for the continued implementation of the Act. The…

This brief is a compilation of lessons learned from the American Youth Policy Forum's (AYPF's) last two years of work focused specifically on systems-involved youth. Following a discussion about the education and workforce barriers these youth face, their outcomes, and the policies that affect them, this brief is organized into three key lessons…

This qualitative pilot study at a cooperative living facility for young men in the juvenile justice system examined participants' social development following a humane education program. After a course that taught the care, handling, and training of foster dogs, five participants shared their reflections, offering their insights into the ways in…

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effect of the Five Cs of Positive Youth Development (PYD) on the relationship between students' perceived school empowerment and school satisfaction, as well as gender differences in these relationships. The data stemmed from a cross-sectional survey of 997 adolescents from four upper secondary…

Every young person in adolescence is looking for the meaning of life, concentrating their activities around specific goals. Selecting them independently, they are guided by specific values, strive to reach them by orientating themselves to the world in a specific way. An analysis of the ever-changing reality and its interpretation make it easier…

This study employed a quasi-experimental design to examine the effects of a school-based youth participatory action research program on the education outcomes of participating high school students. The program was a year-long elective course in six high schools in the same California district whose student population is predominantly low-income…

South Carolina (SC) is a leading state for the delivery of comprehensive school mental health (SMH) services, involving mental health education system partnerships. Currently, more than 60% of SC schools include mental health clinicians from the state Department of Mental Health; there is a widely endorsed goal 100% of SC schools to have at least…

This European Training Foundation (ETF) assessment provides an external, forward-looking analysis of Azerbaijan's human capital development issues and Vocational Education and Training (VET) policy responses in a lifelong learning perspective. It identifies challenges related to education and training policy and practice that hinder the…

This European Training Foundation (ETF) assessment provides an external, forward-looking analysis of Georgia's human capital development issues and vocational education and training (VET) policy responses from a lifelong learning perspective. It identifies challenges related to education and training policy and practice that hinder the development…