Reinventing Ninth GradeReinventing Ninth Grade“The Quest for Success…Begins Here.”

High level of immaturity and irresponsibilityIncrease in number of repeatersLimited number of teachers who want to

teach 9th gradeHigh number of disciplinary infractions (i.e.

tardies, dress code, etc.)Too little communication with parents

Concerns about Transition to Concerns about Transition to Ninth GradeNinth Grade

Academics Through PersonalizationAcademics Through Personalization“Teaching 14 year old children,

not content.” The academy…

Creates personal relationships with students.

Raises expectations for all stakeholders.Does not accept “failure as an option.”

Data ComparisonData ComparisonFreshman Class of 2005-2006 40% of students with less than a 2.0 GPA for the 1st

semester. 24% of students with over a 3.0 GPA for the 1st

semester.

Freshman Class of 2006-2007 38% of students with less than a 2.0 GPA for the 1st

semester. 29% of students with over a 3.0 for the 1st semester.

Strategies That WorkStrategies That Work

Teachers applying/interviewing to work in the academy

Teaming the core teachers dailyConsistency in expectationsSeparation of 9th grade classes from

the upperclassmen.

Mandatory Freshman Success class to teach orientation, study skills, note-taking strategies, etc.

Class size no more than 25:1Academy coordinator and guidance

counselor for the Ninth Grade Academy

Credit recovery program (i.e. Twilight School) offered for those 9th graders who have failed a core subject

Only “pure freshmen” allowed in the academy

Academy FeaturesAcademy Features

Incoming 9th graders are assigned to a “house” of 80-100 students. Each house consists of cross-curricular teams of English (I), science (Physical Science), social studies (World Geography), and math (Algebra I/Geometry) teachers

Has a common planning period EACH DAY

Contains courses of varying abilities, i.e. honors/ AP and regular

“Double-dosing” in math or ELA for students who score unsatisfactory or approaching basic on 8th grade LEAP.

Students remain in same house all year.

Students participate in elective courses as well as other activities, such as clubs and sports, outside their house.

Frequent contact and ongoing communication between school and parents.

Ongoing recognition of student accomplishments (Positive Behavior Support)

Twilight SchoolTwilight School

Held after school from 2:30 – 4:15 Monday through Friday for nine weeks (build in a minimum of 54 instructional hours)

Offer classes in Algebra I, World Geography, Physical Science, English I

Prevents students from falling behind classmates

Prevents students from “buying” a grade during summer school

Maintains the rigor of Zachary High School’s high standards

CREDIT RECOVERY CREDIT RECOVERY PROGRAMPROGRAM

During session one of “Twilight School” 65 of 98 students received recovery credit.

During session two of “Twilight School” 41 of 52 students received recovery credit.