NINTH GRADE INTERVENTIONS

Supporting 9th grade students is crucial for enhancing their school attendance and reducing truancy rates. This transition into high school marks a pivotal point in their academic journey, as students face increased academic and social pressures. Engaging interventions, such as mentorship programs and peer support groups, can significantly improve their sense of belonging and motivation to attend school regularly. When students feel connected to their school environment, they are more likely to participate actively in their education and less likely to disengage. By prioritizing support for 9th graders, schools can foster a stronger foundation for ongoing academic success and reduce the risk of chronic absenteeism early in their high school careers.

In 2007, spurred by University of Chicago Consortium on Chicago School Research (UChicago CCSR) research reports, leadership at the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) began a new targeted approach to reducing course failure in the ninth grade. The research suggested that the transition between eighth and ninth grade played a critical role in shaping students’ long-term outcomes, and demonstrated that students’ attendance and course performance in the ninth grade year were highly predictive of high school dropout.

Five Contributing Factors for Ninth Grade Success.pdf

Ninth Grade Success

Best Practices & Strategies

The best way to get ninth graders on track is to create awareness of why ninth grade is such an important year. You can also commit to creating an ongoing ninth-grade success team. You can set the conditions for success and help eighth graders transition to high school with strong relationships, relevance, and timely intervention.