Date of Graduation

Spring 2022

Degree

Master of Science in Child Life Studies

Department

Childhood Education and Family Studies

Committee Chair

Lindsey Murphy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the worries that students encounter and to explore students’ perceptions of the helpfulness of specific supports when transitioning to middle school. It gives insight to schools, parents, future students, and administrators, which can help them create better resources, programs, and tools to support students during this transition. The research questions were: Which factors lead students to worry most during the transition to middle school? Which supports do students think would be most beneficial to assist with the middle school transition? This mixed methods study gathered data through surveys from seventy 6th grade students located in a rural, Midwestern middle school. This research study ultimately found that students were most worried about moving to a new building and an increased school workload. Along with this, many students claimed that LEAD class and a tour of the building were the most helpful, and that teachers were the most helpful support group during the transition.

Keywords

middle school transition, worries, student’s perception, orientation, transitional factors, relational supports, anxiety

Subject Categories

Development Studies | Education

Copyright

© Kearstin Hofstetter

Open Access

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