Raleigh County Focuses on High School Transition with Support from GEAR UP SWV and Vela Institute

For Immediate Release

Nov. 21, 2025

Athens, W.Va. – Raleigh County Schools, in partnership with GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) and the Vela Institute, is taking an innovative, research-driven approach to improve student success during one of the most critical times in a student’s educational journey: the transition from middle school to high school.

Using Vela’s Evidence-Based Problem Solving (EBPS) framework, GEAR UP SWV, and Raleigh County educators are examining how students experience the shift to ninth grade — and using those insights to design strategies that strengthen academic readiness, belonging, and student confidence.

“Raleigh County’s commitment to evidence-based improvement is an inspiring example of how schools can use data, research, and student voice to make meaningful change,” said Dr. Shawn Bergman, founder of the Vela Institute. “The county is applying research in real time to help students thrive during a crucial transition year.”

Listening to Students First

This spring, the Vela Institute conducted focus groups with 40 rising ninth-grade students at Park, Beckley-Stratton, Independence, and Trap Hill Middle Schools. The findings, summarized in “We’re Excited, But We’re Nervous: Student Insights on the Transition to High School,” revealed that students felt both eager and anxious about entering high school. Many voiced excitement about new opportunities, but also uncertainty about academics, friendships, and finding trusted adults.

“We heard a lot of students say, ‘We’re excited, but we’re nervous,’” said Kasarah Stover, GEAR UP SWV Local Coordinator for Raleigh County Schools. “Their honesty helps us see where we can strengthen supports — not just academically, but in ways that build confidence and connection, to make sure students feel seen and prepared.”

Building on Research and Reflection

Using insights from the focus groups and Vela’s Evidence Assessment, which reviewed national studies on successful transition programs, Raleigh County leaders engaged in a multi-phase professional development series.

• August 22, 2025: Dr. Bergman led sessions with ninth-grade educators, sharing findings from the local focus groups and national research.
• September 25, 2025: High school principals, assistant principals, and counselors from across the district gathered to review the findings and identify targeted interventions to implement in their schools. Each school selected three strategies for improving the transition experience.

Some of these strategies are being refined and implemented throughout the 2025–26 school year, with continued support from GEAR UP SWV and Vela Institute researchers through the Advise and Assess phases of the EBPS process.

From Research to Results

Raleigh County’s work is part of GEAR UP SWV’s broader mission to ensure that students in southern West Virginia are ready for college and career success. The GEAR UP program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by Concord University, serves students across Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming counties, providing academic, college, and career support from middle school through their first year of college.

“By blending student feedback with proven strategies, Raleigh County is setting a standard for student-centered improvement,” said Sheila Womack, GEAR UP SWV Director. “This approach not only strengthens ninth-grade outcomes, it builds a foundation for lifelong success.”

About the Vela Institute: Vela Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to evaluation, analytics, and data tracking to education partners to improve student and community outcomes. Established in 2017, Vela Institute accomplishes its mission through applied research, data analytics, and the use of evidence-based practices.