for Children and Youth - Ventura County Star

32 Creating Asset Rich Environments for Children and Youth
Strategy 3
Foster High Expectations for
Children and Youth
“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high
and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.”
Michelangelo
Young people in Ventura County will live up to the expectations of adults who show them they care.
It is as simple as that.
There is nothing more powerful than knowing that someone believes in you. We know that when youth
are met with rigorous curriculum, they try harder and are more engaged. When young people feel that someone
is counting on them and is proud of the things that they accomplish, they are more successful in school
and in life.
What are High Expectations?
High expectations are consistent communications of direct or indirect messages that convey to a young
person that he or she can and will succeed in achieving a goal. High expectations communicate a belief in a
young person’s innate worth and are focused on their strengths. (WestEd, 2003).
In the California Healthy Kids Survey, high expectations are measured by a child or youth reporting that
a teacher or adult:
◆◆ Tells them when they do a good job
◆◆ Wants them to do their best and who believes that they will be a success
Whether at school or the community, we communicate to young people that there is a standard, which
they are expected to achieve, such as:
◆◆ Completing assigned work at an acceptable standard
◆◆ Demonstrating mastery of age-appropriate skills
◆◆ Participating in voluntary service to others
Along with high expectations for youth, adults have the responsibility to provide needed supports and
guidance. Adults also model how they meet high expectations through their own behavior.
How It Matters
Young people will respond to high expectations and boundaries, both in school, and in the community.
They will do their best, if given the chance. Are we giving them the chance?
Messages of high expectations for young people are a factor in supporting positive youth development
and are related to stronger school connectedness, better grades, and low alcohol consumption. (Austin & Skager,
2004). By providing youth with caring relationships, high expectations, and opportunities for meaningful
participation, we meet the fundamental developmental needs that must be met if they are to become happy
and successful. (WestEd, n.d.).