The Developmental Designs™ approach supports high academic achievement for adolescents by integrating a social-emotional approach with engaging academic instruction. Because student success relies on a blend of good relationships, social skills, and engagement with learning, Developmental Designs™ comprehensive practices meet adolescent needs by using developmentally-appropriate structures to inte
grate social and academic learning. The Developmental Designs™ approach helps teachers:
Meet middle level students' needs
Developmental Designs™ structures are designed to meet adolescents' needs for autonomy, competence, relationship, and fun. Use developmentally appropriate practices and content
Intellectual, physical, social-emotional, and identity elements of adolescent development frame the Developmental Designs™ approach and bolster the effectiveness of its implementation. Build social-emotional skills
Students practice seven key social-emotional skills every day: Cooperation, Communication, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, Engagement, and Self-control. Rigorously respond to rule-breaking
When students break rules, Developmental Designs™ helps teachers notice and understand what's happening and use appropriate language and Developmental Designs™ structures to address the situation. Motivate students to achieve academically
Students are motivated to learn when they have choices, when their learning is scaffolded and varied, and when they see the point. Developmental Designs™ uses reflection to involve students in assessment for learning. Intervene with struggling students
When a student begins to falter, teachers look for solutions across each of the three big focus areas: community-building, social and emotional skills-building, and motivating instructional practices, improving the chances of successful intervention. Create inclusive learning communities
In a Developmental Designs™ classroom, all voices are heard. Daily practices help break down cliques and eliminate bullying through emphasis on knowing and valuing all students in all classes, and through problem-solving structures. Build a strong, healthy adult community
Staffs that know and trust each other are critical to academic success for students. Developmental Designs™ practices extend beyond the classroom to staff meetings, team meetings, and peer coaching.
