2020-2021 Speaker Series

“The End of Adolescence: Purpose, Insecurity, and Indecision on the Pathway to Adulthood”

Abstract: Even as youth often live ‘in the moment,’ adolescence is a time of preparation and transition. Youth are figuring out what they need from their adolescent years and from schools to be prepared for adulthood. In addition to academic preparation, youth need a broad set of skills and dispositions to navigate a complex and global economy. Whereas it is important to help youth envision themselves in careers and in college, focusing on college and careers as outcomes often misses the importance of helping youth hone their sense of purpose and develop the cognitive and analytical skills to make sense of and navigate the job market. Professor Hill will present research on the significance of these broader outcomes and the relational supports that are associated with their development. As there are entrenched inequities in access to high quality education, to college, and to the social capital needed to navigate a successful transition to adulthood, these processes are examined in a series of studies on diverse samples. By examining findings across samples from a range in economic and ethnic backgrounds, commonalities and divergences in goals and experiences will be highlighted. Further, as these studies are grounded in research-practice partnerships, the integration of findings across theory, policy and practice will be emphasized.

View Dr. Hill’s presentation here.

Child Maltreatment Solutions Network Annual Conference

“Innovative Methods in Child Maltreatment Research”

Co-Sponsored by the Child Study Center

28th Annual Symposium on Family Issues

“Causes and Consequences of Parent-Child Separations: Pathways to Resilience”

Co-Sponsored by the Child Study Center

“Addressing Bullying and School Violence and Promoting School Connectedness”

Abstract: In the wake of school violence across the U.S., visible security measures have been put into place in many schools. These include active shooter drills, metal detectors, clear backpacks, and school security officers; one cost of these measures is the hardening of our schools. To mitigate this effect, we must train educational professionals to understand trauma-informed approaches, social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and culturally competent practices.

Dr. Espelage will discuss two decades of research on bullying and other forms of youth violence, highlighting the efficacy of school-based programs. Innovative efforts to address bullying, sexual violence, and school violence include apps for students to communicate emotional and physical safety concerns, youth-led student campaigns to address mental health issues and school climate concerns, and professional development training programs for school police officers.

The Second Annual Consortium to Combat Substance Abuse Conference

“Addressing Substance Use: Cross-Systems Solutions”

Co-Sponsored by the Child Study Center