Imagining the Ideal Middle-to-High School Transition System
At its most recent meeting, Alignment Nashville’s College Access & Success A-Team took on a bold question:
“If resources were unlimited, how would we design an ideal middle-to-high school transition system?”
Nashville’s schools and community partners are currently working together in many ways to support students and families through the critical transition from middle to high school—a transition that plays a pivotal role in preparing students for high school success and, ultimately, for their college and career journeys. A-Team members discussed a wide range of programs and supports that help build social-emotional readiness, early college awareness, hands-on skill development, and stronger connections between middle schools and their future high schools. The group then reflected on opportunities to improve collaboration and alignment, including:
During a collaborative visioning session, A-Team members then imagined what an ideal, fully supported transition system could look like for all students and families. Common themes emerged around starting interest exploration earlier, centering experiential learning, increasing family-centered engagement, and boosting educator exposure to local career pathways. The group generated an exciting list of ideas to guide future planning, and in the coming months will focus on refining these themes into actionable steps.
To learn more about the College Access & Success A-Team, click here - and watch for future updates to see how you and your organization might play a role in preparing all students for high school success!