Evaluating a Preventive Orientation Program

The present study evaluated a primary prevention, school-based program. The intervention focused on helping youngsters successfully navigate an important transitional event- transfer into a new school. Transitions such as entering a new school pose significant challenges to a child's ability to cope with the process of change. Adjustment difficulties are sometimes associated with school transitions, and transfer students experience anxiety over gaining peer acceptance and meeting school expectations. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a multi-element orientation program in preventing school adjustment problems among children transferring into a new school. The intervention included information, a peer-led discussion group, and a tour. Half the incoming transfer students in an inner-city elementary school were provided the program; the other youngsters served as controls. Children exposed to the preventive intervention, in comparison to controls, were more knowledgeable about the school; however, few differences emerged in adjustment criterion measures.