{"id":1006,"date":"2011-04-08T17:33:11","date_gmt":"2011-04-08T21:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dacha.com\/?p=1006"},"modified":"2011-04-08T19:54:26","modified_gmt":"2011-04-08T23:54:26","slug":"transitioning-from-elementary-to-middle-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dacha.com\/?p=1006","title":{"rendered":"Transitioning from elementary to middle school"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Sleeping Giant Jr. HS, where I attended junior high - yup, its real name<\/p><\/div>\n

I’m going re-purpose another piece from my past work place, The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement<\/a>, this one a summary of research about elementary to middle school transition, since that process is starting in many schools districts this month. You can read the original piece here<\/a> and a slightly edited version below. Here goes:<\/p>\n

Within the body of research on middle school education, the literature on transitions to middle school includes a number of studies that have surveyed student perspectives. Largely, the results of these studies show that the physical\/logistical aspects of the transition are most terrifying for young adolescents – issues like finding and opening a locker, changing classroom, dealing with locker rooms, and navigating crowded hallways.<\/p>\n

Some of the research reflects the social concerns of students at this age: making new friends, being able to find and connect with friends from elementary school, and dealing with violence and\/or bullying from older students. Some of the concerns are academic – meeting the increased academic demands and organizing for multiple subjects and long term assignments.<\/p>\n

These concerns all reflect the psycho-social development of young adolescents. As young adolescents become aware of the world outside of their families, they struggle for both personal and group identity. Social issues become very important, and their self-efficacy is framed within their ability to feel competent and socially included.<\/p>\n

The literature on transition to middle school offers a number of ideas for school administrators and teachers to help students make a smooth transition to middle school:<\/p>\n