Breaking Ranks Middle Level to High School Transitions

Instructional Leadership Resources 2 “There is in every child… … a miracle unfolding.” Eric Erikson

Instructional Leadership Resources 3 Supporting System-wide Change Currently, “the district administrator is the single most important individual for setting the expectations and tone of the pattern of school change.” Michael Fullan

Instructional Leadership Resources 4 A Voice from the Middle Prepared for the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Phi Delta Kappa Presented by Dana Markow, PhD., Vice President, Youth and Education Research Margot Liebman, Research Associate Jackie Dunbar, Sr. Research Associate April 16, 2007 Field dates: February 14 – March 5, 2007

Instructional Leadership Resources 5 Study Goals This study reflects these organizations’ interest in the middle school experience and school reform and focused on the following goals:  Make sure school reform includes the ideas and opinions of middle level students;  Draw the attention of policymakers and the public to the importance of effective schooling for students in the middle grades;  Help teachers understand what students think are the strengths and weaknesses of their schooling;  Outline changes needed to improve middle-level education.

Instructional Leadership Resources 6 91% of middle level students think their school work in high school will be difficult. How difficult do you think your school work will be in high school? Students from Eastern states (42%) are more likely than those from the Midwest (30%) to think high school work will be very difficult. 91%

Instructional Leadership Resources 7 92% of all respondents report they probably/definitely will attend college. How likely is that you will attend college? 92%

Instructional Leadership Resources 8 The majority of 7 th and 8 th graders who say they will attend college do not have a lot of information about how to choose the high school classes that will help get them there. How much information do you have about how to choose the high school classes that will prepare you to attend college?

Instructional Leadership Resources 9 More 8 th graders than 7 th graders know at least a little about high school graduation requirements. How much do you know about the courses or classes that are required to graduate from high school? Total

Instructional Leadership Resources 10 Seven percent of students report there is a chance they will drop out of high school. What are the chances that you might drop out of high school and not graduate? No chance Some chance A good chance Children of parents with lower levels of education are more likely to say they will drop out of high school

Instructional Leadership Resources 11 Of those who possibly/definitely will not attend college, 92% cite funding as the main deterrent. What is the main reason why you might not attend college? Other reasons given for not attending college: ” my learning disability” I have dslexia and my teachers dont help me enough My goals for the future will not benefit from college…I am interested in creative arts and learning them is all about desire and motivation, not school. I will not be able to get myself back and forth.

Instructional Leadership Resources 12 Children of parents with college degrees are more confident that they will attend college. How likely is that you will attend college?

Instructional Leadership Resources 13 Middle level students’ views on best ways to “fit in” in high school. In high school, what do you think is the best way for students to fit in? TOP RESPONSES: NET categories: Behavior/Social (77%) Play Sports (61%) Academic success (57%) Join School Clubs (56%) Clothes/Appearance (52%)

Instructional Leadership Resources 14 Who would students turn to for information about high school classes required for college? Who would you go to for information about the high school classes you will need to take in order to attend college? NET Categories: School personnel (88%) Family/Friend (83%)

Instructional Leadership Resources 15 NASSP Recommendation Three: Improve Middle Level transitions.

Instructional Leadership Resources 16 Where should district and state administrators begin? Focus on instruction, teaching and learning.

Instructional Leadership Resources 17 Where Should District and State Administrators Begin? Ensure coherent articulation with elementary schools, high schools and local post-secondary institutions. Use data strategically.

Instructional Leadership Resources 18 Author Unknown “Crustaceans are at their most vulnerable when they are between shells.”

Instructional Leadership Resources 19 John R. Nori Director Instructional Leadership Resources

Engaging Students in the Transition to High School Consortium on Chicago School Research June 2007

How is On-Track Related to Graduation?

Average Freshman GPA = 1.9 Four-Year Graduation Rates for Freshman Entering High School in 2001 by Freshman GPA 1% 6% 28% 53% 72% 86% 93% 97% Freshman GPA (Rounded to the Nearest.5) Percent Graduated in Four Years

Difference in Course Failures Between Schools with High vs. Low Climate Measures Importance of HS for the Future School-wide Academic Press Student Teacher Trust Number of Failures

27 ARCC Management Plan for Tennessee Middle to High School Transition Supporting Learning for All Students

28 Building the Capacity of State Department to Provide Technical Assistance Middle to High School Forum Preliminary Plan District Audits

29 Transition from Middle to High School Gearing up in grades 7and 8 Creating a summer bridge program Redesign ninth grade experience Identify students in need of special instructional assistance Use a flexible schedule to give students more instructional time