School-Connect in:
FRESHMAN SEMINARS
Ideally, School-Connect is implemented in a one-semester or one-year stand-alone course for entering ninth grade students. School-Connect helps freshmen transition from a middle school setting, prepare for the increased academic rigor of high school, and meet the social and emotional challenges they may encounter over the ensuing four years. A growing number of schools and districts are incorporating freshman transition courses into their schedule. Schools with extensive freshman transition programs are showing lower failure and drop-out rates, and improved academic readiness (Dedmond, 2006; Morgan & Hertzog, 2001; USDOE, 2008). Giving students time and support to adjust to high school creates a more cohesive, prepared and academically motivated freshman class.
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School-Connect from a Student’s Perspective
Hear from Daniel McCutchen, a student who went from “at-risk” to Harvard after starting high school in S-C Co-Author Keeth Matheny’s freshman seminar class.
CLICK for Tch Talks: A Student’s Perspective on SEL in the Classroom Podcast
CLICK to watch Daniel in TEDxYouth Talk: It’s Okay to not be Okay
CLICK for Daniel’s Key to Success: SEL
TIPS for a Successful Freshman Seminar:
- Provide School-Connect training for seminar teachers.
- Schedule the class to meet two to five times a week for at least one semester.
- Provide academic credit and a letter grade.
- Assign and follow up on homework.
- Assign two to four culminating projects.
- Keep parents informed about the course.
- Have students keep a planner and a journal.
- Share strategies and extension activities with students' other teachers.