I'm Ready to Change Classes, now what?

Making the decision to change classes requires great thought and effort before approaching your school counselor with a request to transfer. If you have considered the reasons why you are thinking about transferring (read this article “Thinking about Changing Classes: When Middle School Classes don't Fit”) then proceed with the steps below.

1.    Talk with your teacher about your concerns. Before you have this conversation be prepared to talk about why you are thinking about transferring. Use your answers from the questions above as a sign of the effort that has gone into your decision.
2.    Talk with your parents. As with the conversation you had with your teacher, be ready to talk about why you are thinking about transferring. Sometimes parents take awhile to convince before they will agree to a transfer. Assure your parents that learning is important to you, and then share your other reasons for wanting to transfer. Parents want you to have the best chance possible to succeed in school and will support you if a transfer gives you that opportunity.
3.    Ask you parents to call the school and schedule an appointment with your counselor. Your mom or dad should come to the meeting to show their support; but this is your meeting. Come to the meeting prepared to talk about your reasons for wanting to transfer. The more effort you have put into preparing for this meeting the more your counselor will respect your request to transfer. Ask your counselor’s opinion about what class or teacher might be a better fit for you. 

If your counselor moves you to a new class, all eyes are on you to see if the transfer was truly a good move. If you show progress your counselor and parents will respect your opinion if you request a transfer in the future. However, if your effort or grades are low in your new class, don’t expect to get approval for another transfer. Transferring classes is a big decision. As a middle school student you will have more opportunities to take responsibility for your learning. Take this responsibility seriously, and the people around you will recognize and acknowledge your effort.