Transition to Middle School - Best Practices; HHS Region 8

August 10, 2021

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM/MST | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM/CST

Registration is free and required. This session is available to individuals residing in HHS Region 8 (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY). Certificates of Attendance will be available.

Current literature indicates mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent among children and adolescents, with 15% of all individuals experiencing a mental health disorder before the age of 18. Adolescence is a period of time which presents an influx of change and stress to the person; putting the individual at heightened risk of experiencing mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety. Particularly challenging is the academic transition between elementary and middle school which presents increased social, academic, and environmental demands. This presentation provides an overview of challenges experienced by adolescents and best practices to address these challenges during the transition from elementary to middle school. Specifically, detailed information will be provided about middle school advisory as a tool for addressing social and emotional challenges of middle school students.

Attendee learning objectives:

1. Identify common challenges and needs of adolescent youth transitioning to middle school
2. Identify best practices for addressing adolescent youth transitioning to middle school
3. Describe advisory as a best practice
4. Identify 1-2 strategies for implementing successful advisory programs

Download the free resource, "Facilitating Successful Transition to Middle School: Implementing Effective Advisories."

Trainers

• Taylor Anderson, MOT
• Emily Annen, MOT
• Seira Dick, MOT
• Sarah Nielsen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA