R3 Youth Development Institute (formerly the Dropout Prevention Summer Institute)

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 127
POLICY CODE: GCI

TO: Superintendents of Schools, Principals, Dropout Prevention Committee Chairs, and Alternative Education Teachers
FROM: Angela Faherty, Acting Commissioner
DATE: June 14, 2010
RE:R3 Youth Development Institute (formerly the Dropout Prevention Summer Institute)

Registration is now open for the 2010 R3 Youth Development Institute,” Relationships, Relationships, Relationships: the Key to Success in Schools and Communities”. The Institute will be held at the University of Maine, D.P. Corbett Business Building, Orono, Maine.

Participants who work with youth will expand their understanding of the methods, theory, and research that support effective student-engagement and overall youth development. The theme of Day One is the why of youth development-why research informs practice and why relationships are the foundation of working with youth. Day Two is the how of youth development-best practices, implementation, and engaging youth in the process. Day Three will focus on adolescent brain development- turning research into practice, what’s really happening in an adolescent’s brain, and a reminder of the windows of opportunity that are open in the teen years.

Confirmed speakers are:
Dr. Peter Benson, President and CEO of the Search Institute
Dr. Karen Pittman, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of the Forum for Youth Investment
Gil Noam, Harvard University faculty member and researcher in youth resiliency
Karen William, writer, speaker, and founding member of the Brain Trust Alliance
Dr. Ross Greene, founder of the Collaborative Problem Solving Initiative and Harvard Medical School faculty member
Nate Eklund, Senior Consultant with the Search Institute, presenting with youth leaders

The Institute registration fee for 3 days is $100.00 including materials, continental breakfasts and lunches for the 3 days. On-campus accommodations are available. CEUs will be available. Registration materials are located at www.maine.gov/education/tdae/index.htm .

For additional information contact Shelley Reed: shelley.reed@maine.gov or 207-624-6637. For registration assistance contact Roxanne Lee: Roxanne.lee@umit.maine.edu or 207-581-2493.