Academic and Social Needs of Students of Grades 7–9 in Erbil Center

The research delves into the issues and challenges facing students in grades 7–9 in the governmental schools in Erbil center. The majority of literature tackles these student groups combined with the other stage categories in the Erbil center. On the contrary, students at the secondary school levels, i.e., stage 7–9, are not investigated separately as needed since they have been a part of the larger sample populations. This research paper uses the transitional theory as the conceptual framework for the study. Issues like bullying, substance use, smoking, and peer pressure. A qualitative approach was used and focus groups were employed in addition to secondary data analysis in order to support the qualitative analysis. The research concluded that the above-stated challenges were evident among the study group in addition to the vital role of school social workers in dealing with these challenges. The boundary of the role of school social worker and low teacher-student ratio impacted the academic and social skills and achievement due to the limited authority in schools and the inability to participate in the formulation of Ministry of Education policy and programs. This research recommends raising the student-teacher ratio and sustainable training for teachers on communication and dealing with students at these grades.