Tabitha Rue Liberty University

TRANSITIONING PEER PROGRAM

Imagine your own experience and worries about transitioning from elementary to middle school. How did you feel?

Changes: Finding the lunch room Making new friends Having more than one teacher and class Crowded hallways lockers

For young people, this is one of the most diffi cult transitioning times (Niesen &Wise, 2004).

ELEMENTARY TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

Developmental period of rapid emotional and physical changes (Williford &jenson,2014).

Students may be moving from supportive elementary setting to a larger less supportive middle school (Williford &jenson,2014).

Diffi cult to adjust to all the changes Depressive symptoms Bullying Behavior risks Antisocial attitudes

WHY DO WE NEED THIS TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM?

The transition from elementary to middle school fits in with the ASCA National Model because: This plan is designed to promote student achievement Is driven by student data and based on their development

(American School Counselor Association, 2014) Foundation Management Delivery Accountability

ASCA NATIONAL MODEL

A:A1.5 Identify attitudes and behaviors that lead to successful learning

A:A2.2 Demonstrate how eff ort and persistence positively aff ect learning

A:A2.3 Use communications skills to know when and how to ask for help when needed

A:A2.4 Apply knowledge and learning styles to positively influence school performance

A:C1.5 Understand that school success is the preparation to make the transition from student to community member

A:B1.7 Become a self-directed and independent learner

ASCA STANDARDS AND STUDENT COMPETENCIES

Everyone can help student prepare for middle school:Teachers

Encourage extra-curricular activities participation Gradually prepare students for academic challenges of

middle school

Parents Parents as guest speakers Sharing personal experiences

School counselors Coping skills Professional development

TRANSITIONING PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

General information Middle school terms Who is in middle school? Teachers Day-to- Day

Academic Testing Letter grades Homework and core classes

Social Making good choices Making friends Peer pressure Bulling

CLASSROOM GUIDANCE AND SMALL GROUPS

Tips for Parents How can parents help Homework and grades (Power of Zero)

Activities Small groups Middle school website scavenger hunt

Program Evaluation

SCHOOL-WIDE PRESENTATIONS AND PEER INTERVENTIONS