Correlation Of Transitioning At-Risk Youth To Successful Scholars Transitioning To The Next Grade Level

Abstract

This research paper provides a brief literature review of the quantitative and qualitative findings from different academic sources, comprising of the issues involved in the transitional phases from elementary to middle school and finally to high school. The paper also aims to highlight some of the suggestions for transitions programs and activities.

Keywords: at-risk, anxiety, transition, training programs, students, middle school, elementary school, high school.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Table of Contents3

Introduction4

Discussion5

Literature Review5

Transition from Elementary to Middle School5

Transition from Middle School to High School8

Transition to Higher Education11

Transition Programs11

Conclusion13

References14

Correlation Of Transitioning At-Risk Youth To Successful Scholars Transitioning To The Next Grade Level

Introduction

Students gradually progress through different phases and stages in their educational life cycle. At times the change is characterized by trivial imbalances; however there are times when these transitions resemble profound upheavals in the psychology of students, as well as, parents. It is important to clearly distinguish between the four distinct transitional phases. A child normally advances from education being imparted at home by the parents to first instances of interaction at schools, especially kindergarten or elementary. As the child successfully acquires the foundations of knowledge, he or she moves from the elementary stage to middle school. In order to promote disambiguation, middle school comprises of middle grade and junior high school. The child who has transformed into an adolescent, with the passage of time, is now ready to embrace the next level of change - High School. The terminal stage of the learning process is often truncated with the individual joining the workforce or deciding to continue education at college or university.

It is interesting to note that transitions are easier said than experienced. Students, as well as parents often refer to these transitions as major events in their lives. Not only do students, especially at-risk learners, experience psychological stress, they also face the emotional anxiety arousing from new environment, loss of peers, low socioeconomic status, disability or ethnic background.

These stresses generated from transitions can be effectively dealt and eventually minimized through effective counseling and nurturing an academic environment which is responsive to each particular age group.

Discussion

Literature Review

Transition from Elementary to Middle School

Apparently the transition from one school to another is marked by excitement and an emotional joy; however students often remarked this change as apprehensive in nature. Children moving from elementary to middle school often express concerns about harsh deadlines pertaining to assignment, unkind teachers, dealing with administrator, embracing the culture of frequent presentations, coping with the emotional stress related to failures, and drugs. These are some of the apparent challenges and difficulties that students face when moving from elementary to middle school; however as initially discussed, the aim of this paper is to analyze the root causes of these dilemmas (Schumacher 1998).

Students experience shifts in their emotional and behavior psychology due to a drastic shift in the motivation levels. As denoted by studies and comprehensive research, this change is linked to significant differences in the academic ...