goodbye old, hello new! transitioning from elementary to middle school
TRANSCRIPT
Goodbye Old,
Hello New!Transitioning from
Elementary to Middle School
Resources
• Valuing Diversity in Your Classroom • http://jc-schools.net/teacher/valuing-diversity.p
df
• Customer Service Key to Creating Family-Friendly Schools • http://jc-schools.net/teacher/family-friendly-sch
ools.pdf
• Middle School Information Brochure • http://jc-schools.net/teacher/middle-school-bro
chure.doc
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
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 HelpStudents Transition to
Middle School?
• Emotionally– Talk and listen– Promote self-discipline– Learn from mistakes– Celebrate hard work
How Can Parents HelpStudents 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?