For all students, the transition to high school may lead to lower academic achievement and adjustment problems. Black students are at greater risk for academic and social decline during this transition. Holcomb-McCoy identifies four obstacles that make black students more vulnerable as they navigate the transition into high school: stereotyping in school settings; lack of positive role models; a disconnect between the school and home cultures, which can lead to mistrust; and the process of ethnic identity exploration. The author describes and gives examples of five ways high school educators can ease this transition for black youth: by promoting communication and transition planning between educators at high schools and their feeder middle schools; enlisting black mentors; targeting counseling to black students' needs; shaping a more culturally sensitive school; and creating parent partnerships.