‘4th Grade is the new 7th Grade’

In Evanston/Skokie School District 65, fourth graders have been reported for misbehavior more than any other age group in the first three weeks of school. As of September 12, there were 55 incidents recorded, reflecting a troubling trend from the previous year, which saw 923 referrals for fourth graders, the second highest in the district. The increase in behavioral issues among younger students may be attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their social and emotional development. School officials are concerned about this shift, as behavioral problems previously peaked in seventh grade.