Question of the Week

Question of the week

Can you talk a bit about how we can better prepare our 5th graders for 6th grade? I’m talking to so many parents of the 6th graders who say their student is lost with academics and (more importantly) executive functioning skills.

Thank you for raising this important issue. I recommend that educators and leaders take the following steps to better prepare our 5th graders for the transition to 6th grade:

  • Utilize the Division Professional Learning Community (DPLC): Regularly review data, including chronic absenteeism, discipline referrals, grades (based on mastery), SOL results, common assessments, and feedback from students, teachers, and parents. This data will help identify key "power standards" that are crucial for 5th graders to master.
  • Define and Focus on Power Standards: Clearly identify and emphasize the most important skills and knowledge 5th graders need to succeed in 6th grade. Ensure these power standards are well-understood and consistently taught.
  • Vertical PLC Team Meetings: ACPS leaders and school leaders must facilitate regular meetings between 5th and 6th grade teachers to review student data and refine power standards and teaching strategies. These meetings should focus on ensuring equity and effectiveness in supporting students' transitions.
  • Middle School Advisory Periods: Leverage these periods to teach and reinforce executive functioning skills, such as organization and time management, which are crucial for 6th grade (and life) success.

By implementing these recommendations, we can enhance our support for students as they move from 5th to 6th grade, ensuring they are well-prepared both academically and in terms of executive functioning skills.

Answer by Dr. Matthew Haas, Superintendent

Archive