Not so very long ago your child was entering middle school and worried about how he would find his way in the huge, new school, if he would have any friends, and if the classes would be too tough. Now he’s facing high school, and guess what he’s worried about? The same things. Only now the stakes are higher because he knows that his performance really counts. He needs to decide if he’s aiming for college or the workforce. He definitely must accumulate enough credits to graduate and may need to pass a state-mandated exit exam. And then there’s dating, getting a driver’s license, and his first job. Okay, slow down, just a bit. High school is a time of great change and numerous “firsts.” Luckily, you and your student don’t have to cope with all of them at once, and certainly not all during his first few weeks as a freshman.

Let’s take a relaxed look at what is important during the transition from middle school to high school, and what extra concerns may crop up for your child with learning difficulties. Remember that the transition period from middle school to high school is more than just a few weeks at the beginning of the school year. It’s a long-term process that begins in the eighth grade and continues throughout freshman year–a time that provides multiple avenues of support and information to help freshmen settle in socially and academically.

Choose the right courses for your child.

Students know that what happens in high school really counts. Course selection and grades help determine which paths are open immediately after high school. That’s a good reason for you and your child to thoroughly understand the choices offered by the high school as you register for freshman classes during eighth grade.

Be aware of any flexibility or “tracks” available within the required freshman coursework.

For instance, does one version of freshman algebra lead to trigonometry and calculus, while another version fulfills the math requirement but doesn’t prepare the student for more advanced courses? Understanding these details allows you to choose the ninth grade courses most appropriate for your child without inadvertently closing off some academic pathways as he moves through high school.

It’s a tricky task for students and parents to choose courses that maximize post-high school options. The average eighth grader doesn’t know for certain if he’s headed to college, vocational training, or to a job after high school. That natural uncertainty makes it even more important to leave many paths open. Work with your student’s guidance counselor to come up with an appropriate balance of academic and elective courses for your child’s freshman year.

Be Prepared to Make Changes

You may find that the study strategies and accommodations that have worked well up to this point are no longer adequate. That’s because continued cognitive development means your adolescent is beginning to think more abstractly, use more complex reasoning, and form his own opinions. His schoolwork throughout high school reflects this and becomes increasingly demanding.

Watch closely how your child is handling his workload.

• Do the increased reading demands warrant a switch to audio textbooks?
• Does your student need to tape class lectures?
• Would a laptop computer help him take better, more thorough notes?

Changing approaches and adding strategies as your child progresses through his first year and beyond will help to keep things on track.

There’s More to High School than Classes

Extracurricular activities, sports, and social functions are just as much a part of the high school experience as classes. Research shows that involvement in activities makes the high school transition easier for freshmen with learning disabilities as well as for those without. And, since the high school years are a remarkable period of self-exploration and identity development, extracurricular activities are a great way for your student to try new things, show off his strengths, and connect with peers with similar interests.

High schools offer many special-interest clubs, such as computers, drama, debate, and photography. There is usually a broader range of sports available than in middle school, and many sports teams need students to help with support functions, such as scorekeeping. Your child can get involved in student government, activity planning, leadership and community volunteering. Encourage your child to participate.

Stay Involved

Your involvement in the high school transition is just as important as your child’s involvement in school activities. Your student is entering a phase of great change, and support from parents is essential. Even if your student seems more likely to push you away than ask for guidance, keep the lines of communication open. Get to know your child’s friends. Be aware of school functions and encourage your child to join in. Find out where the school needs parent volunteers. Your active support and participation will help ensure a successful transition to high school. Here’s how you can stay involved:

• Attend orientation programs for incoming freshmen and their families.
• Participate in school tours.
• Familiarize yourself with the student handbook and the school website.
• Discuss with your child who to talk to or where to go to solve problems that crop up in the first few days.
• Meet teachers during back-to-school nights.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences.
• Welcome your child’s friends into your home so you can get to know them.