Falling Behind in School Hurts. Belonging Can Help Students Trust and Learn
KQED December 2, 2024
For students who are having a difficult time excelling in school, building trust with teachers and caring adults can help them cultivate confidence and a sense of belonging in academic settings. In a new KQED article, Co-Executive Director Andrew Fuligni explains that “adolescents are building an identity, which involves discovering things that you are good at,” and “many students mistakenly believe that academic ability is fixed rather than a developed skill.” By cultivating a growth culture in the classroom and providing positive feedback and affirmation, adults can help students cement a sense of belonging that can benefit their academic success and overall wellbeing.
Recent News
December 22, 2025
Co-Executive Director Adriana Galván was quoted in a recent National Geographic article discussing the effects of social isolation and how social interactions can promote positive development during adolescence. “The success of ‘reversing’ negative impacts depends on the nature of the social isolation, the individual’s developmental history, and current context,” says Galván, “But, in general, greater engagement in social interactions, establishing meaningful relationships, and genuine support from others can help mitigate any negative impacts of social isolation.”
December 9, 2025
Adolescence is a critical time in development when we form our identities, explore the world around us, and build the skills we need to succeed economically in adulthood. Today’s young adults are coming of age in a world of uncertainty, with changing technological and economic landscapes. In a new joint blog post with the ASA Center for Career Navigation at JFF, Jobs for the Future’s Erica Bouris and CDA’s Natalie Saragosa-Harris explore how adolescents navigate their careers and build their economic lives during adolescence, and offer ways to support young people as they navigate educational and career decisions during periods of economic uncertainty.
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