The Academic Youth Development (AYD) initiative helps you assure that students make a successful transition from middle school to high school mathematics and learning in general. This summer-school intensification program melds the most promising emerging teaching practices in problem-solving and pre-algebra concepts with advances in developmental and social psychology to shape students’ engagement, confidence, and ultimate success as learners. AYD enhances the way students think about themselves as learners, develops their commitment to high achievement, and creates a set of social support skills that sustain responsible and productive engagement in challenging courses. A central feature of AYD is the formation of a cohort of students who can create a positive learning environment for all students in their Algebra I classes. 

Teachers and students use the AYD online curriculum to build academic confidence and mathematical problem-solving skills. During the summer program, students:

• Learn and apply theories from the latest social and cognitive psychology research, including theories of the malleability of intelligence
• Learn and apply strategies for effective effort
• Use tools to develop and refine mathematics problem-solving skills
• Gain expertise in key problem-solving strategies they will need for Algebra I and science in high school
• Develop effective two-way communication strategies
• Build relationships with other students and with their future Algebra I teacher