Personal Resilience: The unique challenges of adolescent-onset.
In 1989, the seminal work Turning Points urged educators to tailor middle schools to the needs of early adolescents in the midst of roiling physical, emotional, and social changes. The report states:
"Puberty is one of the most far-reaching biological upheavals in the life span."
To promote the resilience of these young people, Turning Points recommends "personalizing" their education with strong adult relationships, advisors and role models. Early adolescents need adults to help them with good decision-making and empathetic behavior.
The report warns that ignoring the realities of puberty makes circumstances harder for these students as well as for those who work with them. Without guidance, peer and personal issues easily distract these students from concentrating on academics.
