STEP aims to reorganize the school environment to reduce the level of complexity that students encounter in their transition from elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school; and to restructure the roles of homeroom teachers and guidance counselors. STEP is based on the Transitional Life Events model, which theorizes that stressful life events -- such as making transitions between schools -- place children at risk for maladaptive behavior. Earlier research has shown that for many students, changing schools can lead to poor academic performance, classroom behavior problems, and increased anxiety and truancy. These factors are also associated with dropping out of school and other behavioral and social problems. STEP has been selected by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence for inclusion among its “Promising” programs.

Target Population

- Grade Level: from  Sixth grade to  Ninth grade