Argumentative Essay: The Transition To High School

The transition to high school is an important step in every student’s life. However, with several hundred students in each grade, it is impossible for teachers to accommodate each individual. In the end, this role often falls to older students. That is why rather than separating ninth graders, it is instead important to help incorporate them into the high school community, which can be leaders, role models, and friends for the next generation. One reason why ninth graders should not be separated is the actions and achievements of the students older than them. Many younger students may see the outstanding performance of their older peers and attempt to emulate their feats. For example, a freshman may hear about one of their older classmates’ placement in a competition, and become inspired to participate themselves. Additionally, students may also learn from the negative behavior of their peers– if a ninth grader sees their senior received a bad mark on an …show more content…
If freshmen were forced to be in classes together, not only would many teachers have to be specially hired just to adapt to these students, but many classes would also be fairly empty. For example, if some children took the credit-by-exam in seventh grade for Algebra I, in ninth grade they, along with a few others, would be in Algebra II. However, if ninth graders were separated from the rest of the class, not only would a separate teacher have to be hired for this class, but the class itself would only have a few people. Additionally, some kids may find classes too difficult, while others may feel held back by the curriculum. Incorporating ninth graders with the rest of the school allows those wishing for more rigorous classes to get ahead, and for others to learn at their own pace and level. Upperclassmen can also act as tutors to help freshmen avoid starting high school on a bad