Goodbye Old, Hello New! Transitioning from Elementary to Middle School

Goodbye Old, Hello New! Adjusting to Change Developing Skills for Transitions

The goal of this training is to provide information to teachers that will assist them in enhancing parental involvement during the transition from elementary school to middle school.

Transition Levels Pre-School – Kindergarten Elementary- Middle School Middle School – High School High School – Post Secondary

Why is it important for schools to help parents stay involved during this transition?

Student achievement increases with increased duration and intensity of parental involvement Students with involved parents have –Higher test scores and grades –Better attendance –More positive attitudes and behavior –Higher graduation rates

Parents’ academic level, socioeconomic level, and ethnic or racial origin are not determining factors for academic success Successful students have parents that: –Have a positive attitude about education –Believe their children can do well academically –Convey that belief to their children

Mandates for Parent Involvement No Child Left Behind IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973(revised) Title I Arkansas Standards ACSIP (Arkansas Consolidated School Improvement Plan), Act 603 of 2003

Middle School Transitions What do we do to help students and their parents transition to middle school?

Transition from Elementary to Middle School

What Challenges Will Students Face? Socially -- Reestablishing positive identity –Relationships with old and new friends

What Challenges Will Students Face? Socially –Cliques –Sense of belonging –Peer pressure

What Challenges Will Students Face? Academically –Excitement and worries –Unfamiliar building/lockers/class schedules –Academic demands/rigorous workload –Multiple teachers/styles/expectations –Making choices

What Challenges Will Students Face? Emotionally -- Relinquishing/new friendships -- Sense of identity -- Managing time -- Seeking purpose and role -- Key values support

What Challenges Will Students Face? Physically -- Apprehensive about abilities -- Feel inferior/different -- Want to “fit in” -- Physical changes

Components for Successful Transitions Collaboration between elementary and middle school teachers Transition programs

Components for Successful Transitions –Welcoming environment –Establish open communication –Provide school information and dates –Provide curriculum information

How Can Schools Help Students Transition to Middle School? Develop a partnership with parents Provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere Establish two-way communication Respect cultural differences

How Can Schools Help Students Transition to Middle School? Socially –Interactive learning groups –Equip with strategies and skills –Self-esteem/Buddy support -- Talents beyond academics

How Can Schools Help Students Transition to Middle School? Academically –Orientation program –Instruction, coaching, and support –Climate conducive for parent involvement –Student choices –Individual needs

How Can Schools Help Students Transition to Middle School? Emotionally -- Proactive, preventive instruction –Identity search guidance/opportunities -- Promoting self-discipline/self-esteem -- Provide counseling

How Can Schools Help Students Transition to Middle School? Physically –Address health issues –Nutritionally balanced school meals –Physical education program –Healthy environment –Parents and community involvement -- Provide for individual differences

How can schools help parents transition to middle school? What are some of the causes of stress for new students that you see in your school? What are some of the causes of stress for parents of students? What can the school do to address these issues? What can the school do to involve parents in identifying and addressing these issues?

How Can Parents Help Students Transition to Middle School? Academically –Assist in organization skills –Independence with decision making –Help in setting goals –Learning resources –Parents as partners

How Can Parents Help Students Transition to Middle School? Socially –Accepting and being accepted –Mutual respect –New and old friends –Cooperation and communication

How Can Parents Help Students Transition to Middle School? Socially –Agree to disagree –Learning attitude –Motivate and inspire/Role Model

How Can Parents Help Students Transition to Middle School? Emotionally –Talk and listen –Promote self-discipline –Learn from mistakes –Celebrate hard work

How Can Parents Help Students Transition to Middle School? Emotionally –Be consistent and predictable –Resolve conflict –Give independence –Stay involved –Be a great motivator

How Can Parents Help Students Transition to Middle School? Physically –Encourage physical activity –Limit computer,television,video games –Reassure physical changes normal –Communicate with school

How Can Parents Help Themselves? Take good care of themselves Keep up their health Find ways to handle stress Keep a positive attitude Build a support network Keep a sense of humor

Remember the good old days when the messes they made were disposable?