Research and theory in the field of adolescent development have tremendous potential to inform the work of high school teachers, counselors, and administrators. Understanding Youth bridges the gap between adolescent development theory and practice. Nakkula and Toshalis explore how factors such as social class, peer and adult relationships, gender norms, and the media help to shape adolescents’ sense of themselves and their future expectations and aspirations.
“Understanding Youth really does understand youth! It is essential reading, especially for those who work with adolescents in challenging circumstances.” — Nancy Hoffman, Director, Early College High School, Initiative, Jobs for the Future
“An excellent resource for educators, parents, and any adult who seeks to understand adolescents and the turbulence and confusion that often affects young people during this period of their lives. A poignant, insightful, and practical analysis.” — Pedro Noguera, Professor, New York University
“As a new teacher, I especially appreciate the clarity with which the authors outline the research [on adolescent development] and its implications for my teaching.” — Manuel Rustin, Social Science Teacher, John F. Kennedy High School, Sacramento, CA
“Nakkula and Toshalis’s compelling analysis highlights the reciprocally transformative nature of relationships between adolescents and adults. Understanding Youth paints a fresh and nuanced picture of what’s going on in the lives of adolescents and how educators can promote their healthy development.” — Janice Victoria Ward, Associate Professor, Simmons College, and Author, The Skin We’re In: Teaching our Children to Be Emotionally Strong, Socially Smart, and Spiritually Connected
“After almost twenty years in the counseling field, Understanding Youth challenged me to think anew.” — Maureen McColdrick, Student Support Coordinator, Edwards Middle School, Boston
“Nakkula and Toshalis organize what we have learned about the development of young people—some of whom are presented in a series of individual portraits—and chart ways that we can best serve them.” — Theodore R. Sizer, Founder, Coalition of Essential Schools
Michael J. Nakkula is a research associate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he has taught courses on counseling, urban education, and adolescent development over the past fourteen years. Eric Toshalis is an instructor in education and an advanced doctoral candidate in Learning and Teaching at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
