Promoting a Successful Transition to Middle School by Akos, Patrick -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Dedication and Acknowledgements About the Authors 1 An Overview of School Transitions

Communication and Planning A Snapshot of Transition Issues

Kindergarten Middle School High School College/University Exceptional Children

Summary and Looking Ahead References

2 The Developmental Transition of Starting Middle School

Traditional Developmental Theory

Physical Development in Puberty Identity Development The Emergence of Abstract Thought Moral and Emotional Development

Contemporary Developmental Research References

3 The Systemic and Ecological Transition in Starting Middle School

Maturing Parent-Child Relationships Intense Peer Relationships School Ecology Changes

Physical Environment Schedule Classroom and Curricular Experience

Teacher Relationships Creating a Developmentally Appropriate Context Summary References

4 Important Themes in the Transition into Middle School

Perceptions: Student, Parent, and Teacher

Student Perceptions Parent and Teacher Perceptions Practitioner Implications of Perception Research

Outcomes Factors Related to School Transitions

Individual Factors School Environment Family and Peer Environments Summary

Using Thematic Frames for School Transitions Interventions and Programs

Implications

References

5 Activities and Strategies for Implementing Transition Programs

Paving the Way for Transition

Form a Transition Committee Visit the Feeder/Receiving Schools Host an Open House for Parents and Students Establish a Buddy System or Ambassador Program for Students and Parents Offer a Shadow Day Maintain Contact During the Summer

Once the School Year Starts Other Suggestions Fledgling Redhawk Program References

6 How Educators Can Ease the Transition

The Role of the Central Office The Role of the School Principal The Role of the School Counselor The Role of the Classroom Teacher

Classroom Teachers as Agents of Socialization

References