Publications

Precision Engineering

By Karen Pittman, May 2008

Creating sound bites that are not only memorable but communicate a message is a passion of mine. Every now and then I hit one out of the park. “Problem-free isn’t fully prepared” is still in use after more than 15 years. I think “bringing precision to our passion” may be the next one to stick.

Karen Pittman's Youth Today Column
May 8, 2008
Superintendents of Learning

Superintendents rock!  I’ve never started a column like this before, certainly not one about school administrators – the people whom youth workers frequently butt heads with over money, building space, bus schedules and even permission slips.

March 4, 2008
Youth Today: Extending Learning -- Will We Ever Get it Right?

By Karen Pittman, October 2007

I had a few hours to read, so I pulled out the folder into which I cram all of the things that catch my eye and might make good material for a column. Here’s what I read recently:

October 1, 2007
Youth Today: Children's Rights, Children's Advocates, Children's Cabinets

By Karen Pittman, May 2007

May 1, 2007
Youth Today: Evidence of a Darker Reality -- The Black Youth Project

By Karen Pittman, March 2007

Six in 10 African-American youth believe "it is hard for young black people to get ahead because they face so much discrimination,” according to a University of Chicago (UC) report released in February.

March 1, 2007
Youth Today: Youth Development Work

By Karen Pittman, December 2006

Sometimes, I’m just slow. I carried around the results of two work force surveys in my head for weeks before I realized the significance of putting the two of them together.

December 1, 2006
Youth Today: Don't Deify Graduation Rates

by Karen Pittman, October 2006

October 1, 2006
Ready = Ready = Ready

The month of May produced yet another study showing that the skills young people need to be ready for life beyond high school may be the same whether they are headed to college or the work force.

July 15, 2006
Youth Today: Race, Class, Culture and Perceived Entitlements

Bear with me. I’m trying to make sense of a series of writings spread before me that speak to how race, class and culture combine to influence young people’s opportunities, as well as their perceptions about their rights to opportunities and the proper response when those rights are denied.

May 15, 2006
Youth Today: Fighting Child Poverty with Public Leadership

The British Government recently made an incredible announcement: It apologized for only managing to reduce child poverty 17 percent over the past five years rather than 25 percent — the progress needed to be on a straight path towards the government’s stated goal of eliminating child poverty by 2020. Officials have promised to redouble their efforts.

April 1, 2006