1. 8th Grade Retention/Promotion and Transition to High School
Does Middle School Matter?

2. ACT report The Forgotten Middle states:
Students who are not on track for college & career readiness by 8th grade are not likely to reach that level of readiness by high school graduation.
The level of academic achievement that students attain by 8th grade has a bigger impact on college & career preparedness than any other factor including courses taken, grades earned in high school, or student testing behaviors.

3. Consider This:
Failing a class in 8th grade is a strong predictor of dropping out of high school.
(Allensworth & Easton, 2005) The on –track indicator as a predictor of high school graduation. Chicago: Consortium on Chicago School Research.

4. Strategies for School Success
Attend school
Complete homework
Ask for help
Good study habits
Respect teachers & others
Have a positive attitude
Take responsibility for results

5. Middle School Grades & High School Registration
Middle school grades determine high school classes.
You must have a teacher recommendation to take core subjects in high school.
High School counselors visit in January so your options are determined by 1st & 2nd quarter grades.
If you are not passing classes in 8th grade, it is likely you will be repeating certain classes in high school or be assigned to remediation classes.

6. Promotion/Retention
Students with more than four Fs for the year will lose all 8th promotion activities which includes:
1. Great America Trip
2. 8th Grade Dance
3. Promotion Assembly
Suspensions also affect participation in 8th grade promotion activities.

7. Discipline and 8th Grade Promotion Activities
1 suspension – a warning letter sent home
2 suspensions or 5 total days of suspension –
will lose Great America trip
3 suspensions or 7 total days of suspension –
will lose promotion party
4 suspensions or 8 total days of suspension –
will lose promotion assembly and all other
promotion activities

8. U.S. Average Annual Earnings Related to Education
Less Than High School Graduate $24,544
High School Diploma $33,852
Some College no degree $37,804
Associate Degree (2 years of college) $40,404
Bachelor’s Degree (4 years of college) $57,616
Graduate Degree (More than 4 years) $69,108
Doctoral Degree $84,396
Professional Degree $89,128
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013

9. Tracy Unified School District’s Graduation Requirements
English – 40 credits (4 years)
Social Studies – 30 credits (3 years)
Science – 30 credits (3 years)
Math – 20 credits (2 years)
Fine arts or Foreign Lang. – 10 credits (1 year)
PE – 20 credits (2 years)
Technology – must pass an on-line course
Required courses: 150 total credits
Elective coursework: 70 total credits
_______________________________
TOTAL CREDITS NEEDED : 220

10. High School Graduation
Completion of 220 specific credits
Satisfactory completion of algebra
Passing CAHSEE
(California High School Exit Exam)
English/Language Arts
Math

11. California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)
Taken for the first time in the 10th grade
Passing score: 350 in each section:
Language Arts & Math
Range is from 250 – 450
Not timed
Have 6 opportunities to pass before date of graduation
Retake only the section not passed

12. College Entrance Requirements
CSU UC
History (2 yrs)
English ( 4 yrs)
Math (3 yrs) 4 rec.
Lab Science (2 yrs) 3 rec.
Foreign Lang. (2 yrs) 3 rec.
Visual/Performing Arts(1 year)
College Prep Elective (1 year)
History (2yrs)
English (4 yrs)
Math (3 yrs) 4 rec.
Science (2 yrs) 3 rec.
Foreign Lang. (2 yrs) 3 rec.
Visual/Performing Arts (1 year)
College Prep Elective (1 year)