Adjusting as a New Student Students can expect many differences when entering a new school, and although teachers may assess students for their appropriate academic level, students often have to handle the adjustment to the new school on their own. Adjusting to the standards and practices of a new school in order to succeed academically and dealing with a new set of social rules to fit in socially can be difficult for students. Another adjustment occurs in the transition between grades. In particular, the transition from kindergarten to first grade can be a critical stage. During the earliest years of school, children experience their introduction to school culture, and many learn in a formal setting for the first time.
Children learn how to socialize with each other and establish relationships with teachers.
Stability in school is important as children become acquainted with these school patterns. When children move frequently, schools can address the issue in a number of ways. Schools who recognize that they have students who move within their district can set up a curriculum with similar instructional units among all schools in the district. When school transfers are in close proximity, the school district could even make arrangements for the student to continue on at their current school. Schools can support students who transfer by offering orientation sessions to tune students into the teaching style they can expect in their new classroom.