Full Description
Students change schools for a variety of reasons, and some students change more often than others -- a reality that can leave them feeling emotionally disconnected and often academically at risk. Welcoming Practices summarizes the research on school transition and makes a case for why schools need to do a better job of welcoming new children and families and following up with them over time.
Arriving at a moment in history in which schools are increasing attention on students' social and emotional development, this book captures the innovative practices that some institutions are using to connect with new students and provides practical strategies that all schools can use to make both students and parents feel a part of the school and community. The book discusses how to use technology to improve families' experiences in their new schools, provides strategies appropriate at the school and district levels, and gives schools suggestions for practices that are best suited for younger students as well as for those at middle and high school levels.
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Why Welcome?
Chapter 1: What Do We Know About Student Transition?
Chapter 2: Mobility in Student Data Systems
Chapter 3: The Voices of Students and Parents
Chapter 4: Making Virtual Connections
Chapter 5: Connecting in Person
Chapter 6: Welcoming Younger Students
Chapter 7: Welcoming Older Students
Chapter 8: Lessons from Business
Chapter 9: The Role of Staff and Community Partners
Chapter 10: The Importance of Following Up
Chapter 11: Preparing for the Next Move
Conclusion
Appendix A: Resources
Appendix B: WelConnect App
Appendix C: Sample Surveys for Welcoming Newcomers
Appendix D: Research
Endnotes
Index
