Dr. Rebecca Dedmond

The Freshman Transition Initiative (FTI) was founded in 2004 by Dr. Rebecca Dedmond as a grassroots effort to address the critical need for a classroom-based, comprehensive guidance effort, in either the 8th or 9th grade, to stem the rising tide of dropouts (both high school and college). Working with some of the top experts in the field and the best state standards, she developed the Course Standards for Freshman Transition Classes. High schools across America have adopted Freshman Transition because it cultivates students’ sense of belonging, encourages ownership of learning, supports the ability to make good choices during a time of changes and challenges, and helps students prepare for a self-sufficient future.

In addition to the FTI, Dr. Dedmond and colleagues responded to the need to develop and implement a comprehensive guidance and transition initiative for the Middle Level grades. As a result, she has created the Middle Level Transition Standards that encourage student's development in three domains: Personal and Social Development, Educational Achievement, and Career and Life Skills.