While this list is far from comprehensive, it illustrates briefly the web of complexity within which faculty, staff, and administration function. 

The essence of this conversation is to introduce the significance of professional learning networks and an educational framework to assist those who engage with students in navigating the myriad challenges in their spaces.

What This Means for You

First, I want to say that you are seen! When students are disconnected and struggle with succeeding, it can be daunting to know where to begin. Examining each step in its sphere can feel less overwhelming (or more so) once you realize how many areas of influence there are. Professional learning networks provide a space to engage with those in the trenches with you, to learn what others are doing, and to create a community that isn’t afraid to be curious, empathetic, innovate, and, yes, even to fail.

Professional Learning Networks

Educational professional learning communities (PLC) is a practice that has a positive impact on education when implemented correctly. Unlike PLCs, which are focused on one school, Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) remove that barrier and reach across the aisles across schools across districts, and in some spaces, across countries. Professional Learning Networks are defined (Poortman and Brown, 2008; Prenger, R. et al., 2021) “as any group who engage in collaborative learning with others outside of their everyday community of practice, in order to improve teaching and learning in their school(s) and/or the school system more widely.” Being a part of a network for individuals like yourself who are working to the same end as you, re-engaging individuals disconnected from education and employment, and working to support students as they strive for the economic stability that comes from increased educational attainment. While we are all working towards the same objectives, the barriers we experience along the way likely vary in nuances but carry deep similarities in their core. These networks are valuable because they generally focus on best practices in teaching, identifying what is most impactful in student retention, completion, and success, and how the impacts of factors outside of school, as briefly addressed above, can be strengthened to support the student or mitigated to lessen the force working against the student. To this end, one learning framework will be discussed here in the hopes that it can stir conversation and curiosity among you, your peers, and your future (or current) Professional Learning Network. 

Positive Youth Development (PYD) Framework

Growing up, my parents always reminded me,

Watch your thoughts, they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

While we may read this and nod our heads in agreement generically, the reality is the way we view the world and how we understand those around us greatly impacts how we engage with students. While this quote is an important reminder that the same things can have a great impact on our future, the better choice is to choose a destiny and work backward to determine what habits and actions will be required to achieve that destiny. Choosing to intentionally pursue a framework such as Positive Youth Development (PYD) (Cornell, University, n.d.; Olenik, Christina, 2019;). sets us on a specific path. Choosing not to engage intentionally puts us in a position where we can be more reactive instead of proactive. 

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs defines PYD as, “an intentional, pro-social approach that engages youth within their communities, schools, organizations, peer groups, and families in a manner that is productive and constructive; recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people’s strengths; and promotes positive outcomes for young people by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and furnishing the support needed to build on their leadership strengths” (Positive Youth Development, n.d.).  While the employment of the PYD framework is generally on a larger scale, its core principles have application in every student interaction. There are eight outlined integration norms (Integrating Positive Youth Development into Programs, n.d.)

• • Physical and Psychological Safety
  • Appropriate Structure
  • Supportive Relationships
  • Opportunities to Belong
  • Positive Social Norms
  • Opportunities to Make a Difference
  • Opportunities for Skill Development
  • Integration of Family, School, and Community Efforts

The important difference between PYD and other adolescent frameworks is that it does not approach interactions with at-promise or opportunity youth from an intervention standpoint. It does not look at what they are doing wrong and tries to address how to make it right, like teen pregnancy or drug abuse. Instead, it requires us to look for strengths already possessed by the student and directs us to call out and nurture these assets. Additionally, this framework is not something DONE TO students. It is a framework engaged WITH students. Students are partners with their teachers, community, and friends. The student's voice is paramount in creating programs, classes, activities, and direction. 

As we consider our programs, classes, assignments, and assessments, what would it look like to function within a framework where individuals who have been disconnected from employment and education are partners with us? What methods could we employ to ensure the student voice is intentionally sought? While we will dive deeper in the coming months on learning theories and tools through professional development and professional growth opportunities with RAPSA, I encourage you to consider reviewing the list above. Which components do you currently do well? Which are you unsure about, and which would you need support implementing? Depending on the role you have in the student journey, your answers will vary greatly, but discussing this with colleagues in your area, folks in other areas of the student journey, or even your colleagues in other schools, is a wonderful way to foster a network of curiosity, empathy, creativity, and innovation! 

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