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Age of Opportunity, Lessons from the new science of Adolescence

On Thursday, November 19, Shipley welcomed Dr. Laurence Steinberg, an expert on the science behind adolescent brain development who presented a program for 9th and 10th grade students and parents. Dr. Steinberg’s research has focused on a range of topics in the study of contemporary adolescence, including adolescent brain development, risk-taking and decision-making, parent-adolescent relationships, adolescent employment, high school reform, and juvenile justice. His latest book, The Age of Opportunity explores the science behind adolescent brain development.
 
Dr. Steinberg states: “Studies are showing that adolescence is a second period of heightened brain plasticity, just like the first three years of life. This makes adolescence a really vulnerable time—because the brain can be damaged by harmful experiences—but it also makes it a time of tremendous opportunity. I want parents and educators to know this, so that they can take advantage of the opportunity and protect kids from harm.”
 
Shipley is proud to offer a series of speakers and events supporting our Social, Emotional, and Ethical Development (SEED) program. In its 20th year, SEED is an integral part of the Shipley curriculum, and every student’s schedule includes a SEED class every year (PreK through grade 12), with topics including character education, service learning, emotional intelligence, developmental transitions, sexuality education, and leadership.
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The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.