FTI’s Proposed Program

• Promote the institutionalization of its Course Standards for Freshman Transition Classes and the subsequent implementation and/or compliance of Freshman Transition courses at the district and state level.


• Conduct research focused on identifying practical applications for school retention and successful transitions into adulthood.
  


• Evaluate standards and curricula to ensure that educators have effective tools to implement Freshman Transition courses.


• The Freshman Transition Initiative will take a leadership role in creating a national dialogue around the topic of Freshman Transition courses.


• Facilitate the institutionalization of Freshman Transition courses through week-long summer institutes and master’s level training of guidance professionals trained in leadership and organizational change.


• Facilitate professional development for guidance professionals and educators across the country through the following proposed activities:
  • One-day workshops
  • On-line training
  • An annual 3-day conference


• Explore the possibility of a national media campaign to promote a national conversation about Freshman Transition courses.


• Disseminate the Standards through potential alliances with national educational organizations and media, a proposed FTI web site and targeted marketing efforts.


• Promote and disseminate parent/student models that address the concepts addressed in the Freshman Transition courses.


• Develop a proposed model to facilitate tracking of long-term goals of students.

The function of developing a vision and a realistic plan for a productive adulthood is the critical first step to the long road of academic achievement. Students without it are unlikely to apply themselves in the coming years of educational challenge.