Note: The assessments in this course build upon each other, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.

A white paper is a professional paper that compiles and summarizes present knowledge about an issue and proposes future action. Compose your white paper building from your initial proposal. Your target audience is your work colleagueseducated laypeople who will understand your field but will not necessarily have expertise in the area of adolescent psychology.

If needed, use the “White Papers PowerPoint Presentation,” listed in the Suggested Resources, for assistance in developing the format consistent with expectations for a white paper.

Directions

Evaluate current research related to your chosen topic in adolescent development. What are the current challenges that adolescents experience in relation to your chosen issue? How does that issue impact adolescent development?
Evaluate the relationship between the literature and real-world practice in relation to your chosen topic in adolescent development. What has current research suggested about underlying causes and evidence-based best practices for addressing the issue?
Recommend best practices for positive adolescent development. What subsequent solutions or best practices would be viable options for your organization to adopt in response to the issue?
Use grammar, punctuation, and mechanics expected of graduate-level composition and expression. The quality of your writing will determine the clarity and acceptability of your argument.
Use APA format and style in written documents, with only minor errors that do not detract from meaning. Grounding your argument in the accepted format for the field lends credence to your document.
Additional Requirements

Written communication: Written communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA style and formatting: Resources and citations should be formatted per current APA style and formatting standards.
Use APA subheadings.
Include a title page, abstract, table of contents, and reference list, per APA guidelines.
Length of paper: 57 double-spaced pages, not including title page, table of contents, abstract, or references list.
References: A minimum of 12 peer-reviewed resources are required.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 points.