Youth Development Network (YDN) is inspiring youth and adult partnerships by addressing school climate in 17 participating California High Schools! Through a series of "Fishbowl" workshops, YDN empowers high schools with a process to address topics including school safety, teaching practices, administrative practices, and support for student/teacher relationships. YDN's great work is informed by the pioneering work of the WestEd team.
To learn more about the research please reference these links
Stay tuned for highlights from the participating high schools from the past weeks!
Overview of the Fishbowl Process
Purpose
Provide an opportunity for student voices to be heard.
Provide an opportunity for students, staff, and parents to improve their school climate.
Give richer meaning to the Cal-SCHL survey data (http://csps.wested.org/)
What It Is?
A four-part focus group process that examines positive caring relationships, high expectations, meaningful participation, and other areas of improving school climate.
Why It Is Important (Potential Benefits)
The reversal of formal roles makes a strong impression on students and adults alike. Youth and adults learn what students really think and have impetus to work in partnership to develop strategies for change.
What It Requires of Adults Who Participate
About 3.5 to 4 hours of your time
Adults who are willing to listen to and support students
THE YDN: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
The Youth Development Network is dedicated to creating life-changing experiences for youth success by supporting community organizations through training, networking, and policy advocacy.
Training: Inspiring Leaders and Cultivating Learning YDN believes that in order to develop healthy young people, the people who work with youth must be equipped with effective tools and best practices. YDN provides customized training and technical assistance to organizations and schools to help them align their youth development practices. Learn more about training…
Youth Leadership: Creating Opportunities for Youth YDN provides training and opportunities to potential youth leaders through a connection to programs and hands on opportunities. In 2010 the YDN and the Sacramento Works for Youth, developed and published a Quick Tips guide for EMPLOYERS to help create "youth friendly workplaces. download quicktips guide. A complete publication is also available which helps EMPLOYERS understand the basic principles of youth development and guidence of internships with teenagers. Learn more...
YDN believes that in order to develop healthy young people, the people who work with youth must be equipped with effective tools and best practices. YDN provides customized training and technical assistance to organizations and schools to help them align their youth development practices. 
