NCJ Number
140752
Date Published
1992
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Hawaii's Office of Youth Services funded the Youth Development Project (YDP) in 1991-1992 to train prekindergarten and elementary school teachers in social skills, cooperative learning, and parent/community liaison and to develop a cadre of teacher trainers.
Abstract
Additional project objectives focused on encouraging parent involvement, disseminating project information statewide, promoting consistency in youth development training, and conducting inservice training sessions. An evaluation of the YDP indicated that the project substantially met or exceeded its objectives. Trained teachers were able to implement YDP procedures, and students in YDP schools reported they were aware of and used social skills in the school, home, and elsewhere. The YDP developed a cadre of 93 teacher trainers, parent involvement programs were established in three schools, and project information was disseminated statewide through presentations at seven Hawaii conferences related to children and youth. Teachers indicated that the content and delivery of YDP instruction were highly professional, useful, and positive. Teachers also reported a wide range of skills acquired due to the YDP and the use of cooperative learning structures. Recommendations to improve and extend the YDP are offered. 9 tables