Ninth-grade Intensive Intervention Program National concerns: Across the nation, more students fail 9th grade than any other grade Nationally there is a 9th grade bulge, tenth-grade dip in enrollment More than one-third of non-graduates fail to make the transition from 9th to 10th grade.

Ninth-grade Intensive Intervention Program Our concern at SSHS Failure rate for ninth graders is higher than any other grade level In November, 42 9th graders were failing 3 or more courses, 30% higher rate than the rate of 10th graders Repeating courses, resulting in a full academic schedule, often leads to continued course failure.

Ninth-grade Intensive Intervention Program The program: Each student meets with the principal and develops an individual support plan which includes weekly meetings with their counselor and extra-help each morning. Parents receive a letter which includes the plan. All counselors, administrators, social workers and psychologists are in the halls throughout zero period, and walk with students to make sure they get to extra help. Students hand in signed sheets to counselors. If they have not fulfilled their plan, they receive detention.

Ninth-grade Intensive Intervention Program Results: Dramatic reduction in fights: 2007-08: 10 Sept–Nov: 4 Nov –May: 1

Ninth-grade Intensive Intervention Program Next year: Begin in September Continue with students into Grade 10 Inclusion of TAs in extra-help academic classes Create organizer folders for students in the program Create recognition systems for progress Develop strategies for highly resistant students