Youth-Nex Middle School Conference
Youth-Nex Middle School Conference Held at the University of Virginia - Oct. 18 & 19, 2012
The purpose of this invitation-only conference was to examine developmental issues of early adolescence, the intersection with educational programming, and best methods to promote effective youth development, specifically in middle schools.
“We had unprecedented focus on middle school youth as capable and middle schools as the center of approaching their development from this view,” said YN Director Patrick Tolan. “There was education leadership at both the national and state levels, there were leading advocates and scholars, and local practitioners engaged in a vigorous and productive discussion,” Tolan said. “We are excited about what this can mean for youth and for the Youth-Nex center’s mission.” More on the conference.
Patrick Tolan
Tolan's Washington Post Op Ed on middle school was published during the conference
Alma Powell
Powell, Chair of America's Promise Alliance, gave the keynote address
Jay Giedd
Giedd is a brain specialist at National Institute of Mental Health.
Clea McNeely
Panel discussion on "Students and Peers as Resources"
Jacquelynne Eccles
Eccles delivered the plenary presentation
Concentration
Invited participants included scholars, educators, practitioners and policy makers.
Panelist Charles Smith and a Participant
Smith is VP of Research at the Forum for Youth Investment
Newcomb Hall
Conference attendees enter the main ballroom.
Sara Rimm-Kaufman
The panel: "Partnership of Parents and Schools for Better MIddle School"
Deans' Panel
Jane Close Conoley, Randy Kamphaus and Lynn Okagaki
Deborah Kasak, Joseph Mahoney and Michael Yudin
Yudin is the Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education
