ON-TRACK! strives to lift up middle-schoolers
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A new program organized by Purdue University's College of Education is utilizing graduate students in its school counseling program to give children at two Lafayette middle schools an enriching and educational experience.ON-TRACK!, a pilot program at Sunnyside and Tecumseh middle schools, started this semester. The program is designed to accomplish a number of goals, such as providing encouragement, helping students make connections with each other and motivating students to pursue education beyond high school, said Jean Peterson, an associate professor in educational studies who developed the program.
Middle school students in the program also have opportunities to interact with role models from the business community. Students meet together once a week during an enrichment period, which is part of each student's regular schedule. Parents give permission to participate.
Specially trained graduate students in Purdue's school counseling program conduct group counseling sessions at each grade level — sixth, seventh and eighth — with six or seven students in each group.
Approximately 210 middle-school students are currently involved. The program is designed to run throughout the school year in the future.
"This program not only provides an excellent way to enhance cross-cultural communication among these students, but also helps to create a sense of community as group members become acquainted," Peterson said. "The middle school years can be difficult for many, and the groups actually talk about the challenges.”
During the sessions, students have the chance to discuss among themselves and with the counselor the experience of growing up. Each meeting has a different focus, and varied activities help to generate discussion. Stress, stereotypes, self-image, learning styles, family roles, interests, personality and career planning are among the topics this semester.
As a guide, the program uses two books Peterson authored: "Talk with Teens About Self and Stress" and "Talk with Teens: Feelings, Family, Relationships, and the Future."
Beginning in the fall, after the pilot program has been examined and the curriculum adjusted, the group facilitators hope to study the program over a two-year period. They will look at attendance, tardiness, academic performance, behavior and plans for further education. Individual interviews also may be conducted, with the data from tests and the interviews analyzed to determine the program's impact.
The program is designed to run for three years, but Peterson said if the results are favorable and financial support can be found, ON-TRACK! could continue longer. The project offers a training opportunity, a service to the schools and a rare experience for the children, she said.
Peterson said the ultimate goal is to improve students' school experience and increase their chances for success when they enter the work force. She hopes the program will help students grow up to be informed citizens who will participate in their communities.
She said when students discover what they have in common during adolescence and learn important social skills, they are more likely to live in harmony at home and in the workplace as adults. Some also may become more comfortable at school and be better able to focus on academics as adolescents, she said.
Peterson, a former teacher and school counselor, volunteered to conduct a similar yearlong program with six groups a few years ago at Tecumseh and was inspired to secure funding so that the program could expand.
"I know this can work," she said. "The potential is great. If we make this a successful program, it can go a long way in helping kids reach their potential."
Regions Bank is providing a lead gift of $25,000 for the project. Other corporate donors are Caterpillar Inc. and Chase Bank.
There is enough funding to begin the program, but more financial support is being sought to fund it through the three years. Corporations, groups or individuals who are interested in funding the project can contact Jennifer Jeffries, director of development in the College of Education, at (765) 496-3545, jcjeffries@purdue.edu.
Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu
Source: Jean Peterson, (765) 494-9742, jeanp@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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