Page 60 - 2015 Compass Now

Support for Youth

In addition to assessing risks, the YRBS also asks participants to disclose possible assets in their lives.
These positive attributes include feelings of belonging, caring, and family support. The majority of students
in the Great Rivers Region report having a strong support system. Such factors strongly contribute to growth
and achievement. The results are summarized in Table 7.

Table 7: Youth Assets, YRBS Data

Asset La Crosse Monroe Trempealeau Vernon Houston

Family gives love and support 84.6% 78.5% 84.0% 84.0% 68.5%

Teachers really care, give 64.3% 46.7% 50.8% 64.4% 12%
support, and encouragement

Feel like you belong at school 68.0% 56.1% 59.8% 69.2% N/A

Adult (teacher or other staff) 70.6% 62% 65.0% 74.0% N/A
at school you could talk to

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1991-2013 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data.
Available at http://nccd.cdc.gov/youthonline/. Accessed on December 1, 2014; Minnesota Student Survey, 2013.

EDUCATION Extra-Curricular Activities

Extra- and co-curricular activities can be participated in by students on or off school grounds and are not
included in the mandatory curriculum requirements necessary for grade advancement. These activities have
historically been enjoyed on a not-for-credit basis, although in recent years some schools have allowed
students to earn credit for certain extra-curricular activities. Some co-curricular activities allow for enhanced
physical development, additional learning, a creative outlet, and improved self-esteem; some assist in
learning time management, encourage an atmosphere of community and teamwork, and can help reduce
stress. One study found that participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities was generally related
to having a higher proportion of academic peers and a smaller proportion of risky peers than individuals
who were not involved in structured activities22.

Table 8 shows an average percentage of students that participate in academic, athletic, or music
extracurricular activities in the Great Rivers Region. Participation in athletics was typically the most common
in each school district, while participation in music was usually the least common in most schools.

Table 8: Students in Grades 6-12 in Extra-Curricular Activities

County 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013

La Crosse 32.0% 36.0% 33.1%

Monroe 46.8% 45.3% 46.3%

Trempealeau 49.5% 63.0% 50.9%

Vernon 44.5% 44.8% 48.5%

Source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Percentages are based on average percentage of participation in academic, athletic,

and music extra-curricular activities.

52 COMPASS NOW 2015