"The Developmental Assets are not about fixing what's wrong with kids. They are about building on what's right and creating communities where every young person feels valued and supported." --Unknown 

What are the 40 Developmental Assets?

The 40 Developmental Assets are research-based positive experiences and qualities that help young people grow up to be healthy, caring, and responsible individuals.  The first 20 developmental assets are external experiences, meaning they are experiences and opportunities in families, schools, youth programs, and communities.  The other 20 developmental assets are internal, reflecting the personal skills, values, and self-perceptions young people need to make good choices, take responsibility for their own lives, be independent, and thrive.
 

"No one person can ensure that all young people have the resources, opportunities, and relationships needed to thrive.  But together we can." --The Search Institute
 

For more information, please contact Maritza Martinez.

Latinos in Action: Empowering Students and Strengthening Communities

Latinos In Action offers an asset-based approach to bridging the graduation and opportunity gap for our Latino students, working from within our system to create positive change. 

Through culturally responsive social and emotional learning, college and career readiness, and interpersonal development, Latinos in Action empowers Latino and other youth who desire to expand their academic performance, leadership skills, and service opportunities, thereby strengthening their community.

For more information, please contact Maritza Martinez.

Orange County Public Schools is committed to empowering students with the understanding that while adversity and hardship are universal, resilience is achievable through strong skills, a supportive community, and mentorship. 

The Florida Department of Education has established statewide educational standards and resources aimed at equipping students with the skills necessary to build resilience, identifying 11 key traits that support this development. 

These traits include: Self-Awareness and Self-Management, Grit, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Mentorship, Responsible Decision-Making, Empathy, Responsibility, Resiliency, Citizenship, Honesty, Gratitude, and Perseverance.

For more information, please contact Christopher Ludwig.

Restorative Practices: Fostering Positive School Cultures and Reducing Suspensions

Restorative Practices are a comprehensive framework designed to cultivate a positive and supportive school environment. This approach prioritizes the development and maintenance of strong relationships among all members of the school community, with the ultimate goal of reducing suspension rates in middle and high schools.

A core tenet of Restorative Practices is ensuring that all voices are heard when addressing and resolving conflicts. By facilitating open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, these practices enhance personal responsibility and empower individuals to initiate positive change and growth.

Specifically, Restorative Practices aim to significantly decrease school suspensions related to the key infractions of disrespect, insubordination, and altercations. Beyond conflict resolution, this framework actively builds community and promotes healthy interactions between educators and students. It also plays a vital role in teaching essential interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, thereby proactively reducing future conflicts.
 

For more information, please contact Renee Leach.

Access and Opportunity developed the School Support System (SSS) to provide school leaders and teachers with quick access to the resources they need. The SSS is a comprehensive resource bank with tools designed to increase teacher capacity and remove barriers to student success. A&O also offers year-round professional learning opportunities, and our calendar makes it easy to find the training you may need around the initiatives we support.  

Employees: Click to access the School Support System

Vaping has quickly become one of the biggest health challenges facing youth in the U.S.  Vaping can harm the developing brain, increase the risk of addiction, and jeopardize students’ long-term goals. Our district has seen a rise in vaping-related incidents over the past few years, highlighting the need for education and instruction. Access and Opportunity is leading a district wide initiative to address this growing concern. Vape prevention resources can be found on our Vape Prevention page.

For more information, please contact Wendy Lawhorn or Linda Childs.