Feature Story Archives

Child safety was never meant to look like this

The U.S. invokes child protection to justify family separation, prolonged detention and forced placements, but this distorts the origins of child safety.

AI in schools: person on laptop while also using AI chatbot on smartphone

325

From the Field

Flourishing in the Age of AI: Q&A with Courtney Garcia of LearnerStudio

Merita Irby speaks with LearnerStudio's Courtney Garcia about a new anthology exploring what it means for young people to flourish in the...

To fix student chronic absenteeism schools ust support families first_feature: Young teacher having meeting with parent of schoolboy, they sitting at table and talking together after lessons

304

From the Field

To fix student absenteeism, schools must support families first

With chronic absenteeism still 50% above pre-pandemic levels, schools are using ineffective punitive or reward-based strategies instead of family supports.

On developmental relationships _feature: black coach or mentor and white male student sit on bleachers and talk

395

From the Field

On developmental relationships

Katherine Plog Martinez speaks with Gene Roehlkepartain on how strong developmental relationships are the "active ingredient" in successful youth programs.

Joy, partnership and play create belonging and increase attendance_feature: recess, group of very happy children playing game with yellow ball

445

From the Field

Joy, partnership and play create belonging and increase attendance

We must ensure kids are experiencing high-quality recess and a school climate that makes them want to attend every day.

QA_ Karen Pittman _2026 NEA Foundation’s Outstanding Service Public Education Award_older black woman stand at podium with hands clasped in front of her

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From the Field

Q&A with Karen Pittman, 2026 recipient of the NEA Foundation’s Outstanding Service to Public Education Award

Youth Today's Karen Pittman, often referred to as the godmother of positive youth development, received the award on February 13.

Look inside_What MCA taught us about gratitude, growth and growing up_Pass the Mic 4_feature: black and white image of three youths sitting on curb

566

Opinion

Look inside: What MCA taught us about gratitude, growth and growing up

MCA’s legacy, when seen through a developmental lens, offers a clear example of how gratitude can emerge alongside maturity, identity and purpose.

Why agency, voice and coherence is the work_feature: group of diverse youth smiling

603

Opinion

Why agency, voice and coherence is the work: Supporting social, emotional and academic well-being and thriving in challenging times and contexts

From a developmental perspective, coherence is not something young people are told they are part of; it is something they feel.

The overlooked link between literacy, STEM and student success_feature: Little children with microscope studying Chemistry in science classroom

524

From the Field

The overlooked link between literacy, STEM and student success

For decades, schools across the country have invested heavily in literacy reform. New curricula, mandates and funding have reshaped classrooms, yet reading...

On youth program quality_feature2: group of young children learning excitedly around table

474

From the Field

On program quality

Katherine Plog Martinez speaks with Thomas Akiva on how youth-serving organizations can ensure youth program quality by recognizing three key developments.

Twice a refugee _feature: This black-and-white image depicts a dramatic scene of a person holding their head, seemingly distressed, while standing under long, vertical shadows resembling prison bars. The composition and the strong contrast between light and dark create an intense atmosphere, evoking feelings of confinement, mental struggle, and isolation. The texture of the ground and the person's silhouette add depth to the emotional narrative of the photograph.

600

Opinion

Twice a refugee

A young, LGBTQ refugee shares their journey from Africa to Trump's United States and then Canada, highlighting the fear permeating immigrant communities.

Big Thought ecosystem intermediary behind Dallas City of Learning_feature: young black female artist works on the floor with headphones around neck

674

Opinion

Big Thought: The ecosystem intermediary behind Dallas City of Learning

Big Thought brings arts education into the community and tackles other opportunity gaps.

Coaching not correction_The shift youth serving systems need to build real leaders_feature: male educator/mentor helping two girls with STEM project

785

From the Field

Coaching, not correction: The shift youth-serving systems need to build real leaders

You can’t correct a kid into leadership. Adolescents develop youth leadership through environments that support autonomy, belonging and skill-building.

When accomodations exist on paper but not in practice_how ACT testing fails students with disabilities: male high school student taking test on laptop

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Opinion

When accommodations exist on paper but not in practice: How ACT testing fails students with disabilities

Students with disabilities face barriers when trying to access standardized testing accommodations, especially those without strong adult support networks.

The empty desk_A student's view of the siege in our hallways_feature: shadowy classroom with empty desks

990

Opinion

The empty desk: A student’s view of the siege in our hallways

A junior at Columbia Heights High School in Minnesota gives a glimpse into what it's like to be student during the ongoing...

skilled trades and trades education: Yong person with brown hair in top knot leans over work tale peering at liquid in long yellow level

932

From the Field

We taught students to love hands-on learning. Let’s help them continue to embrace it once they leave the classroom.

Many students, encouraged by hands-on learning, are perfect for a career in skilled trades. But, society's response has often been: Go to...

What I learned teaching sex education as a teen, and why every school needs it_feature: young woman points to diagram of sexual organs in front of classroom

1.1K

From the Field

What I learned teaching sex ed as a teen, and why every school needs it

A peer educator speaks about her experiences teaching peer-led sex education lessons.

From systems leadership to learning ecosystems stewardship_feature: group of kids watch an educator giving a presentation outside

985

Opinion

From systems leadership to ecosystems stewardship: A next step for OST intermediaries?

The benefits of comprehensive learning ecosystems are vast, but a vital part of maintaining and stewarding them will fall on OST programs/intermediaries.

service learning, youth workers: Happy young volunteers in gloves collecting, sorting food for needy people

1.1K

Opinion

They age out — then we hire them. What happens next matters most.

Despite the vital role of young staff, we know little about how these experiences shape their development and which workplace practices help...

On learning and meaning making _feature: group of youth working at table together

779

From the Field

On learning and meaning making

Katherine Plog-Martinez speaks with Kim Sabo Flores about how meaning making—reflecting on and making sense of experiences—is crucial to youth development.