Canadian Grade 8 to 9 Transition

Student Success is about meeting the individual learning needs of each and every student. Schools are providing students with more opportunities to customize their high school experience and build on their strengths and interests through a variety of new and enhanced learning options.

What Is Grade 8 to 9 Transition?

Grade 8 to 9 Transition supports the individual needs of students as they move from elementary school to secondary school. The components of Grade 8 to 9 Transition are the following:

•            A caring adult who is a school staff member is partnered with students, according to student need, to assist students in their transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9. These student-adult partnerships are coordinated and monitored by the Student Success team.

•            Schools develop individual student profiles that highlight the strengths, needs, and interests of each student (e.g., academic, emotional, social, physical).

•            Schools develop individualized timetables for Grade 9 students, basing them on students’ strengths and interests, with a focus on at-risk students. These are developed in the first semester to help give students a positive start in secondary school.

•            Boards develop, implement, and monitor their Grade 8 to 9 Transition plan (including student orientation activities and other interventions and strategies for transition).

How Does Grade 8 to 9 Transition Benefit Students?

•            Secondary schools create a welcoming and caring environment for Grade 9 students, in which students’ emotional, social, and academic needs are supported.

•            The high school experience is tailored to individual student needs, interests, and strengths.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Education