Data Collection

A good tool to collect data on youth development is the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS). The CHKS is a voluntary, anonymous student survey of student well-being and resiliency that is administered biennially by many districts in California. Districts use the data to assess the overall well-being of students, and to monitor and evaluate programs addressing those student risks. The CHKS Core Module assesses the three developmental supports that promote youth development: 

• Caring relationships within the school
• High expectations from teachers and other adults
• Meaningful opportunities for participation

For more in depth assessment, CHKS also has a Resiliency and Youth Development Module and a Social and Emotional Health Module.