September 1998
Research on the transition from elementary into junior high school has clearly shown that this change is difficult for many youth. Not only do grades suffer during the transition, but participation in extracurricular activities usually drops. Many believe that these negative changes occur because students move into the more impersonal structure of junior high schools, where they change classrooms and are regularly exposed to a greater number of peers and teachers. This is a big change from smaller, more intimate elementary school classrooms.
The transition to high school has received less attention by researchers, but all indications are that the move into high school also has lasting effects for many students. An ongoing study of teenagers growing up in rural communities shows that students lose interest in school and score lower on grades when they move into high school. Youth who moved from very small rural elementary and junior high schools into significantly larger high schools showed the most trouble adjusting to their new environments.
It is clear that school changes may be hard. However, it is equally important to highlight that not all youth suffer when they make a school change. Even among those whose grades suffer, many students benefit from the new opportunities, experiences, and people to which they are exposed as they grow older and move into a new school. Nevertheless, it is important for parents and teachers to keep in mind that these changes are often very difficult on some students. As adults we must be perceptive of youth; watch for potential problems during times of transition, and be willing to be available to them for discussion and guidance. With caring adults to support them, school changes can be exciting and rewarding for young people.
Families often use the same tools for new situations only to find they no longer work. Perhaps these tools for communication will help your family with
new schools this fall.
Big dividends in family investment come from listening with your heart and remembering what it feels like to be young. Fear is a natural part of school change. Youth who appear to be risk takers, anxious for new freedoms, may actually exhibit unusual behaviors to cover their fear. They may not even realize that these behaviors are coming from their unexpressed fears. Be there for your youth and her friends; focus on them and their stories, respect them, and honor their fears and confidences. Encourage youth to take charge by using forward focus questions.
Sources:
Eccles, J.S., & C. Midgley. 1989. Research on Motivation in Education. 3:139-86.
Russell, S.T., G.H. Elder, Jr., & R D. Conger. In progress. "School Transitions and Academic Achievement."
Simmons, R.G., & D.A. Blyth. 1987. Moving Into Adolescence: The Impact of Pubertal Change and School Context.
Vannoy, Stephen 1994. The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children, Parenting from the heart. Simon & Schuster, New York.
Welter, Paul 1985.Connecting With A Friend: Eighteen Proven Counseling Skills To Help You Help Others. Tyndale House, Wheaton, Illinois.
This Back Page was contributed by Cindy Strasheim, Extension Educator, Clay County, Nebraska.
