K-12 TRANSITION TO COLLEGE Lisa DiStefano TE 870 Final Project December 2010

W HY I CHOSE THIS TOPIC … The topic of K-12 students transitioning to college (and beyond) is very close to my heart. Not only do I teach in a college preparatory grade school but I myself attended an all-girls college preparatory high school. The values in the school I teach in as well as the surrounding community demonstrate that college is almost mandatory and we strive to encourage our students to reach that goal.

M Y OWN K-12 E XPERIENCE As seen on the website for my own high school: Marian High School the first line of the school website notes the importance of preparing the young women for college. Marian High School Since this expectation was a priority in my own schooling, I wish to make it a priority for the students I teach each year. I am fortunate to work in a community where the members share the same values and beliefs that I hold and they instill the importance of a good education to their children.

W HO A TTENDS C OLLEGE ? According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, “In October 2009, 70.1 percent of 2009 high school graduates were enrolled in colleges or universities, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. This was a historical high for the series, which began in 1959.” (According to a news release of April 27, 2010.)

W HO ATTENDS COLLEGE ? More than 90 percent of high school seniors expect to attend some type of college (Schneider & Stevenson, 2000).

W HY IS COLLEGE NECESSARY ? With the current nature of our economy, almost all jobs now require a college degree. People in the work force looking for jobs are often competing against people who do have a college degree (or beyond). The lack of a college degree puts students at a lower risk of unemployment.

W HY IS COLLEGE NECESSARY ? According to the research done by Terenzini, “when asked what had gone into their decision to attend college, virtually all students were surprised by the question, indicating that they had never considered not going to college. (Terenzini 62).”

T HE I MPORTANCE Transitions can be difficult: Distance from home Social aspects Developmental stages vary Academic challenges

S OCIAL T RANSITIONS TO C OLLEGE Students often make the choice to move far away from home. They must learn to navigate through a new city, new relationships, and new surroundings.

S OCIAL T RANSITIONS TO C OLLEGE Values and Beliefs Values can differ amongst students in a new environment. The comfort of home has dissipated and students are forced to make new friends and find a social group that they share the same core principles with. The familiarity of their community is exchanged for a new foreign community.

S OCIAL T RANSITIONS TO C OLLEGE Exposure to different people Many students enter college and become exposed to different people, places, customs, and parts of the country. Many leave their community for the first time and are introduced to new people who are ‘unlike’ the students they grew up with. These new interactions allow for students to grow socially because they must learn about people, traditions, customs, which they are not familiar with.

D EVELOPMENTAL T RANSITIONS Maturity varies for each individual student as they enter college. Age plays a factor in a student’s maturity The student’s background plays a factor on maturity. How much independence a student had at home? How much was the student was coddled? What socio-economic factors influence the student? What were the dynamics of the family they were raised in?

D EVELOPMENTAL TRANSITIONS Parenting styles impact the transition to college. Each family has different dynamics that play a role in the way the student will act/react to college. The discipline a student had growing up as well as the expectations that were set will either have a positive or negative impact on their college career. The number of siblings also plays a factor on a student’s college career.

D EVELOPMENTAL TRANSITIONS Socio-economic factors Was higher education instilled as a priority to the student growing up? Are the parents college graduates? Did the student attend a school where a college education was stressed? (i.e. a college preparatory school?)

D EVELOPMENTAL TRANSITIONS Independence Many students need the independence to help build their personality and maturity. The sudden need to do things for themselves allows students to realize their full potential and personal capability.

E DUCATIONAL TRANSITIONS Academics prove to be a challenge for many students entering college. Students have many other distractions once they enter college There is no one there to monitor students school work and study habits Students can fall behind in their school work and often have a hard time keeping up with the rigorous pace of academics

E DUCATIONAL TRANSITIONS Academics in college are much more strenuous than high school. The transition from high school classes to college level course is very difficult. Students must find a way to balance all of their academic credits as well as other aspects of their life. Attendance at class is (often) not mandatory. Students must have the internal desire to attend each class in order to succeed.

E DUCATIONAL TRANSITIONS Professors Most professors are strict and require students to be self-sufficient in their course Unlike high school teachers, college professors will not monitor each student through every step of the course. There is independent research, reading, and learning that is required in order to succeed for many students.

E DUCATIONAL T RANSITIONS Professors can be a vital part of a students education, especially when a personal connection is made. “Faculty members, as noted earlier, have been shown to play important roles (both inside and outside the class- room) in what and how much students learn on a broad front. It is important that new students make contact with faculty members as early as possible in their college careers (Terenzi 71).”

E DUCATIONAL TRANSITIONS Deciding on a major At a young age (usually about 18 years old) students need to choose a major which will in turn play an important role in their career choices. Students at this age and maturity level are often not ready to make sure a life-altering choice. Need guidance Need introductory courses

E DUCATIONAL TRANSITIONS Exposure to new interests When deciding on a major, many students take the opportunity to enroll in various introductory courses. They are then exposed to a variety of fields of discipline and have the chance to make an educated decision based on a the knowledge and experience they have gained.

C ONCLUSION As stated, there are challenges and strengths that can factor a high school student’s transition to college. Social, developmental, and academic areas all play a factor in a students success in college.

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