Project GPS: An Introduction

Ed Bowers, Ph.D.

Program Director Chris Napolitano,

M.A.Research Assistant

Mimi ArbeitResearch Assistant

Richard M. LernerPrincipal Investigator

Important recent projects

What are wetrying to do?Project GPS Goal for youth: To improve the goal management—or intentional self regulation—skills of youth in mentoring programs, helping them to achieve their goals and develop positively.

Project GPS Goal for programs: To provide a research- and evidence- based, scientifically validated, flexible suite of tools designed to measure the longitudinal impact of programs on youth’s ISR and positive development.

Where does GPS Theory come from?

Positive development happens when youth strengths are matched with contextual strengths.One of the most important youth strengths is ISR, or the ability to successfully select, work on, and adjust strategies for important life goals.

In GPS Theory, there are three main skills:

G, P, and S

GGoal Selection

Selecting meaningful, realistic, long-term goals

Being selective and “investing energy” in long-term goals

Goals should have short-term steps

Goals should improve life in multiple ways

The best goals benefit self and community

PPursuit of StrategiesDeveloping a plan and sticking to it

Practicing current strategies and looking for new ones

Using strategies with persistent effort at appropriate times

Monitoring progress to see if strategies are working

SShifting Gears

Replacing strategies that aren’t working with new ones

Adjusting strategies so that they might work in the future

Looking for help from people and other resources

Moving on to new goals at the right time

GPS PYD

PYDPositive Youth Development

Competence

Confidence

Character

Caring

Connection

Contribution

Some measurement challenges

Time intensive

Self report

Odd language

How do we measure GPS and PYD?

Rubrics–a universal

coding system

Scoring Guide for Mentor Rubrics

5 Consistent initiative;skill mastery

“I’ve got this.”

4 “On and off” initiative;skill competence

“I’m doing well, but…”

3 Emerging initiative;basic skill

“I really need your help.”

2 Lacks initiative;low skill

“Fine, I’ll do it.”

1 Lacks skill;pre-aware or disengaged

“I don’t care.”

Project GPS Tools

RubricsVideos

Activities

Videos

Namibiahttp://www.youtube.com/user/tuftsgps#p/u/15/tkRJvOiXeJo

Nuts + Bolts

Nuts + BoltsNow you need to:

Participate in trainingComplete your consent form

Identify the youth you will work withObtain consent (from the youth and

guardians)

Nuts + BoltsAt your first Project GPS meeting with the youth, you

need to:

Introduce GPS using Introductory Sessions A-D

Youth and mentor both complete first rubrics online

Nuts + BoltsAt later meetings with the

youth,you can:

Re-introduce GPSAsk about goals

Use activities and videos as desiredDo the rubrics online 2 more times

Go for the GOAL!

Project GPS:Hands-on Training

RubricsVideos

Activities

Rubrics

There are several types of rubrics in Project GPS.

Rubrics vary by who will complete them, what they measure, and the age range of youth to which they refer

Today, we will go over the mentor-completed GPS rubrics for younger and older adolescents in detail.

Practice makes perfect!

VideosEach video shows a young adult exemplar

While no single video covers each of the GPS and PYD skills, all of the skills are discussed in at least one of the videos.

For example, one mentor might choose a video that highlights “Seizing the Moment” if the mentee struggles with knowing the right time to act.

Gabe http://www.youtube.com/user/tuftsgps#p/u/16/dqN6Ty8nZWY

Trevor http://www.youtube.com/user/tuftsgps#p/u/23/AjyGKyoPNyU

Beth’s story

Josh’s story

What tools can mentors useto boost GPS?

Use the Activities!Rubrics and videos may not always be enough to promote GPS and PYD.

Project GPS has a full suite of activities designed to help mentors teach skills when mentees are having trouble.

Puzzle Pieces

Breaking down long term goals into short term

stepsBreaking down a goal into small steps is like identifying the puzzle pieces that fit together

In this activity, youth will write or draw their goal on one side of cardboard, and then make puzzle pieces that represent each of the smaller steps towards the larger goal.

For example:Making the Honor Roll

Take notes during class

Study for tests and quizzes

Make a study group

Ask for help on things I don’t understand

Do homework

Ask for extra credit

Now it’s your turn!

Pick a goal and start puzzling!

Road Map and Travel Log

Checking Progress

Checking progress towards reaching a goal can be like keeping track of the stops along a road trip.

In this activity, the youth will create a “map” of the steps and strategies involved in reaching their goals.

They can use this map to check progress and revise action plans.

Develop a “road map” to a goal, listing all the steps along the way.

In one color, make a route to your goal. This is your action plan. In another color, following the route, list the actions you have already taken.

Be creative! Add detours, rest stops, scenic views or maybe even some deadlines.

Today

Make a roadmap that shows the “journey” you will take while using Project GPS with your mentee.

Some stops along the way include…

Complete consent forms

Participate in training

Identify the youth you will work with

Obtain consent from matches and guardians

Get ID number

Introduce GPS concepts and rubrics to youth with overview sessions

Complete the first rubric assessment, have youth complete their own assessment

Use activities as needed

• Complete the rubric assessment two more times, at roughly even spacing.

• Keep track of all activities you use in this process!

Reactions?

Project GPS benefits organizations

1. Provides measureable evidence of impact

2. Identifies areas of strength and areas that might need more attention

3. Contributes to the development of materials

Project GPS benefits mentors

1. Provides user-friendly empirical information about youth development

2. Activities and videos complement and extend your efforts

3. Is a great opportunity to reflect and plan with youth

Project GPS benefits YOUTH!

1. Identifies areas of strength and areas that might need more attention

2. Provides a well-thought out plan to reach their goals, the motivation to pursue those goals, and the life skills critical to successfully achieving those goals.

Reflecting on the Day

1.What happened?

2.So what?

3.Now what?

1. What happened?

What was one thing you learned today that you will use if you implement Project GPS?

How do you see Project GPS fitting into your program?

2. So what?

How do you think Project GPS can impact the lives of your youth?

How do the goals of Project GPS relate to the goals of your program?

3. Now what?

What are the next steps you need to take in order to ensure an effective launch of Project GPS within your program?

Let’s hit the road!Remember to bring your GPS

Email us if you have questions or feedback at tuftsgps@gmail.com

Look for materials to be posted by January 19 at http://stepitup2thrive.org/tufts/