The Future of Education

Reports and research conducted in schools emphasize the significance and adverse consequences of peer exclusion which increases rapidly in middle school and often leads to bullying. Those who are excluded and/or bullied may suffer emotional and school difficulties, problems with relationships, low self-esteem and may have increased susceptibility to depression. Bulling and victimization have also been related to aggression, anger, violence, externalizing problems, illness, school avoidance, poor academic performance and, increased fear and anxiety.  The author of this presentation  considers how the occurrence of bullying and victimization can be mitigated by the implementation of evidence-based transition program in the first semester of middle school. Three stage project financed by the National Center of Research and Development in Poland is presented and includes: (a) the results of qualitative research on peer exclusion and bullying conducted in the groups of second grade middle-school students, middle school teachers and psychologists (b) the baseline for the educational program along with lessons’ examples and activities (c) the results of quantitative research proving its effectiveness.

Key words: social and educational psychology, middle school bullying, peer group exclusion, data-based middle school transition program