Student Mobility: Creating an Environment for Social and Academic Success

Student mobility is an issue that affects school districts large and small across the nation. Schools can do very little to control the causes of mobility, but a great deal can be done to reduce the negative effects for mobile students through effective planning and consistent practices. Schools must focus on collaborative efforts to provide a welcoming environment for all families, assuring a positive transition for every student at any point during the school year. Mobility is rarely convenient or planned. Children are not in control of the choices that result in frequent school changes. Our job as educators is to help all students effectively transition into new schools, making connections with other students, staff members, and the community. In doing so, they are given the best chance of social and academic success for however long they are in our care.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Foreword Preface Introduction Chapter One – Mobility in context Chapter Two – Reality of the Revolving Door Chapter Three – The Poverty Factor Chapter Four – A Framework for Best Practices Chapter Five – The Ins and Outs of Enrollment Chapter Six – The Ins and Outs of Academic Placement Chapter Seven – The Ins and Outs of Student Placement Chapter Eight – The Ins and Outs of Classroom Connections Chapter Nine – The Ins and Outs of Family Connections Chapter Ten – The Ins and Outs of Unique Needs Chapter Eleven – The Ins and Outs of Community Connections Chapter Twelve – The Ins and Outs of Exit Transitions Chapter Thirteen – Somebody Gets It – Practical Application Chapter Fourteen – Legal Complexities Chapter Fifteen – A Call to Action Appendix A – Questions by Chapter Appedix B – Scenarios for Group Discussion and Interaction Appendix C – Sample Mobility Action Plan Framework References

About the Author :
Dr. Jane Stavem is an author, administrator, and educator from the Capital city of Nebraska. Her experiences in districts both large and small contribute to a broad perspective on current issues in education.

Review :
Stavem’s book addresses mobility – an issue many complain about, but few have solutions. Jane not only provides structures for helping schools dealing with increased mobility, but clearly articulates the caring attitude all educators should possess. Because a great deal of a school’s success or failure rests on leadership’s ability to administer mobility in a smooth, successful manner, this book is a must-read. Practical help is finally here. This book is about compassion, acceptance, building bridges of understanding, and lifting the veil of prejudice and student profiling. It is about transforming a school culture enshrined in a mindset that treats these nomadic children negatively….As an educator, she uses her musical acumen to discern a symphony of ideas, instead of a cacophony of disconnected protocols. It is no secret that she has stepped up to the conductor’s podium to move an ineffective system of protocols from a repetitive, stagnant staccato, to a fluid legato. These suggested preventative strategies, when used with fidelity, can and do support our mobile students to be wholly successful. This is a timely book as our families all endure transient times. We, however, in the words of Lorraine Monroe, can “be the incredible interruption in the lives of children….While their lives are interrupted…we can interrupt and intervene their journey or path in life”, with unconditional acceptance, compassion, and hope. Our children, victimized by mobility, deserve better.