Teachers' reactions to a ninth grade campus: Implications for the transition to high school

Pipier Smith-Mumford, Boston College

Abstract

The transition from eighth grade to ninth grade is a critical time in a young person's educational career. Ninth grade programs and separate buildings for ninth graders have grown over the last ten years in an effort to meet their distinct needs. Research in this area reveals very little documentation of the teachers' voices on this subject. This researcher sought to add their perspective in identifying the salient features of effective ninth grade programs which make for a smooth transition to high school. More specifically, the researcher wanted to learn if teachers of only ninth graders believed that a separate facility eased the transition to high school. An observational case study and qualitative methodology was used in this study. Ten faculty members were interviewed about their work at a ninth grade campus that existed for two years while the main high school was under renovation. The results of this study revealed the following: (1) Isolating ninth graders in a separate building, wing or floor eases the transition to high school. (2) Ninth grade students benefit by building relationships with peers in the same grade. (3) Fewer concerns about bullying by older students with freshman only facilities. (4) Parent involvement is high with a separate facility for ninth graders. (5) Positive adult relationships with ninth graders are essential for their success. (6) School size makes a difference in how well school personnel meet the needs of ninth graders and in how safe students feel. (7) Staff development which allows teachers time to discuss students, curriculum and instruction, helps ninth graders as well as teachers. (8) Student activities play a pivotal role in ninth graders' feeling connected to their school, and offers opportunities to build positive relationships with older students. These findings were consistent with the literature on the transition to high school. The ninth grade teachers' perspectives validated their experiences and the research. Administrators should pay close attention to the planning for this transition in order to maximize high school success for ninth graders.

Recommended Citation

Pipier Smith-Mumford, "Teachers' reactions to a ninth grade campus: Implications for the transition to high school" (January 1, 2004). Boston College Dissertations and Theses. Paper AAI3161723.
http://escholarship.bc.edu/dissertations/AAI3161723