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Perceived school climate across the transition from elementary to middle school
Nir Madjar1, Maya Cohen-Malayev1
1School of Education, Bar-Ilan University.
Summary
Students transitioning to middle school experience a decline in their perceived school climate. This educational transition negatively impacts student perceptions, highlighting the need for enhanced support systems during this critical period.
Area of Science:
- Educational Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology of Education
Background:
- The transition from elementary to middle school is a significant developmental period with varied reported outcomes.
- Previous research on school transitions has produced inconsistent findings regarding their impact on students.
- Understanding the specific effects of school transition versus age-related changes on perceived educational climate is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the elementary to middle school transition on students' perceived educational climate.
- To differentiate between the effects of school transition and age-related developmental changes.
- To compare the experiences of students transitioning to middle school with those remaining in elementary school.
Main Methods:
- Two complementary studies were conducted, including a large-scale national survey in Israel (N=71,739) and a 2-year longitudinal study (N=415).
- Cross-sectional and longitudinal designs were employed, with data collected across multiple time points.
- Self-report surveys assessing perceived school climate were administered to students in both studies.
Main Results:
- Students who transitioned to middle school reported positive school climate perceptions prior to the transition.
- These positive perceptions declined more rapidly among transitioning students compared to non-transitioning peers.
- Perceived school climate among transitioning students eventually became equal to or lower than that of non-transitioning students.
Conclusions:
- The school transition itself, rather than just age, is associated with a decline in perceived educational climate.
- Educators should implement targeted strategies to bolster students' sense of support during and after school transitions.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms driving these perceptual shifts and to develop effective interventions.
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