“It is during the middle grades that students either launch toward achievement and attainment, or slide off track toward a direction of frustration, failure, and ultimately early exit from the only secure path to adult success.” (Balfanz, R. 2007) Schools that pay attention to transition and have an intentional transition plan see more success in increasing achievement and reducing retentions.  Having an effective transition program contributes to developing a positive learning environment. Both sending and receiving schools need to work collaboratively with each other, and with families to provide ongoing support for students as they experience the transition to the middle grades.

1. http://www.fitango.com/categories.php?id=470
Fitango Education
Health Topics
Transition to Middle school

2. 1
Overview
“It is during the middle grades that students either
launch toward achievement and attainment, or
slide off track toward a direction of frustration,
failure, and ultimately early exit from the only
secure path to adult success.” (Balfanz, R. 2007)

3. 2
Overview
Schools that pay attention to transition and have
an intentional transition plan see more success in
increasing achievement and reducing
retentions. Having an effective transition program
contributes to developing a positive learning
environment. Both sending and receiving schools
need to work collaboratively with each other, and
with families to provide ongoing support for
students as they experience the transition to the
middle grades.

4. 3
Glossary
Transition to middle school is a scary but exciting
time. It will help everyone to know some of the
terms. Here's a glossary of specific middle school
terminology:
-- AVID - AVID stands for “Advancement Via
Individual Determination.” There is a selection
process to be placed in AVID, and this course
usually takes the place of an elective course.

5. 4
Glossary
-- OSS - Out of School Suspension
-- ISS - In-School Suspension
-- ASD - After School Detention
-- ALP - Accelerated Learning Program

6. 5
Glossary
-- PBS - Positive Behavior Support. Some schools
are PBS schools. This is a program set in place at
the school for teaching and rewarding positive
behavior.
-- Agenda - A daily planner the students use to
write down assignments and school activities

7. 6
Glossary
-- AG - Academically Gifted. AG students are served
through differentiated instruction in the regular
classroom setting.
-- EOG - End of Grade tests. This is the standardized
testing system in North Carolina for grades 3-8.
-- EOC - End Of Course tests. These tests are given
to students who take high school level courses
such as Algebra or Geometry.

8. 7
Glossary
-- SST - Student Support Team- This team meets to
discuss intervention strategies for students.

9. 8
Tips for parents
Parent participation in education is closely related
to student achievement. Both of you will be
affected by this change to middle school. The key
during adolescence is to balance your support
while promoting responsibility and independence
in your child.

10. 9
Tips for parents
Become informed about your new school by
attending orientations, read school guides and
student handbooks and visit their web site
regularly for current information.
Your 6th grader doesn’t want you showing up for
lunch, but you can stay involved by joining and
volunteering with PTA.

11. 10
Tips for parents
Students of all ages benefit when family and
school cooperate and have a positive relationship.
If you have questions or concerns don’t hesitate to
call or email the school staff. Know the name of
their team, the homeroom teacher and the school
counselor for their grade.

12. 11
Tips for parents
Provide the supplies from the various teachers’
lists. Ask to see their student agenda - assignment
notebook with communications from the teachers
- regularly.

13. 12
Tips for parents
Organization and time management skills must be
developed so students will not feel overwhelmed.
Be sure to limit after – school recreational
activities, provide a quiet study area and expect to
see your child working regularly on homework and
long-term projects.
Set rules about TV and computer use.

14. 13
Tips for parents
Know the dress code for your school and check to
see that your child is wearing “school friendly”
attire daily.
Check the calendar for your specific school – know
when interims and report cards go out, if there are
early release days and any dates of special
activities.

15. 14
Tips for parents
Be sure the main office has current contact
information – don’t assume your child will know or
share changes in phone numbers or addresses.

16. 15
Tips for parents
Talk to your child about school and peers. Listen
for comments that reflect what they are feeling
and thinking. Expect your child to make mistakes
and have personal struggles. Give them time to
think and make decisions about how to handle
their problems and deal with the consequences.
Peer acceptance and self–esteem issues become
increasingly important.

17. 16
Tips for parents
Provide opportunities for your child to develop
their interests and socialize with friends, but be
sure to monitor their choices.