This paper explores the concept of adolescence and its pertinence to identity, as conceived in several fields, including history, psychology, biology, anthropology, and sociology in an effort to elucidate the origins of adult pre-conceptions about young people at this age. This exploration includes discussion of youth advocacy and the legal & moral perspective on adolescence, which in turn challenge and partake of many of these notions. The thesis posits that educators who recognize and understand their own misconceptions about adolescents will be better able to cooperate with students to ascertain and meet educational needs and wants.