An investigation of students' perceptions and fears before and after transitioning to middle school

UnrestrictedThis qualitative case study explored the extent to which fifth graders experienced fear and trepidation when they enter sixth grade, and whether or not this fear was related to school violence. The study was limited to the expectations of present elementary and middle school students before and after they transitioned from Grade five to middle school. Of particular interest was the identification of possible sources for the students apprehensions, along with the strategies they used to cope with their feelings of fear.; Two research questions formed the foundation of this study: (1) To what extent do exiting fifth grade students feel apprehensive about violence at their new middle school as they transition to that school? (2) Once they are sixth grade students, to what extent does their experience with violence at their new school match the apprehensions they had as transitioning fifth graders?; Focus groups were conducted in two Title I elementary schools, using one focus group each of boys/girls in 5th grade with a total of four focus groups, each with five to eight students, with 20-32 students in all. Also, one feeder middle school participated in focus groups containing equal numbers of boys/girls with a total of 20-32 student participants. Interviews were conducted with four 5th grade teachers, one administrator from each of the two elementary schools, as well as one administrator from the feeder middle school.; Key findings emerged for question one: (a) Fear about violence in their current elementary school equaled or exceeded students' fears about middle school, (b) Elementary students were most concerned about incidents involving strangers on campus, and (c) The primary response to anticipating middle school for these fifth graders was one of excitement, not fear. Key findings emerged for question two: (a) Sixth grade middle students witnessed broader types of violence than the fifth graders at the elementary schools. Sixth grade students suggested solutions to improve school discipline plans, school safety, as well as the need for stronger student -- teacher partnerships