Mobility & Transitions

Student mobility is a significant challenge facing schools.  High student mobility is a risk factor that is associated not just with poor academic achievement but also alcohol and drug use, poor development of social skills, and low self esteem (Warren-Sohlbeg et al, 1998).  By incorporating best practices to plan for and address mobility, schools can promote academic achievement, foster school connectedness and provide protective factors to prevent and mitigate such risks.

  • The US has one of the highest mobility rates in the world (Titus, 2007)
  • Approximately 30% of children in low-income families move annual vs. 8% of children well above poverty levels (Popp, 2004)
  • Highly mobile students are those who have changed schools two or more times in 3 years. (Hotton, Pitman, and Monk 2004)

Causes of Mobility

Mobility can be caused by “normal” or “promotional” transitions such as advancement from elementary to middle school and middle to high school.   It also can be due to family relocation, whether planned or unforeseen, as well as disruptions in a child’s life related to homelessness, foster care or seasonal migrations.  mobility is often closely tied to family economics – families may move due to job loss or gain or for more affordable housing.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Transitions and Mobility and how if it isn’t addressed within the school district context, please feel free to contact us. 

Students Move: Supporting Students Who Change Schools

HEY in collaboration with the Hillsboro School District, and the Washington County Commission on Children and Families produced a first of it’s kind GUIDE addressing this very topic.  We have the “Students Move: Supporting Students Who Change Schools” guide available for purchase.

The guide includes topis like enrollement; welcome, classroom entry, monitoring; farewell; staff development; significant populations; and a guide to strategies.  It is meant to be a clear and supported guide for school districts who face high mobility and transitions to address the varying components.  

We will post to this page when it is available as a digital download.