According to a recent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, for ninth-graders starting classes in metro Atlanta, the academic odds will be stacked against them. One in five could flunk this year and by May 2008, close to a 10th of the class of 2011 could disappear from high school altogether.
Ninth grade seems to be the make-it-or-break it year and many principals are searching for ways to improve students’ chances of earning a diploma.
The article suggests creating freshman academies that isolates ninth graders from upper classmen. Other suggestions include employing veteran teachers; providing tutoring to make sure struggling students get help before falling behind (those students pulling less then an average of 75 percent would have to attend 30 minutes of mandatory, daily tutoring during lunch); and allowing students to explore post graduation plans.
Research was conducted earlier this year that also suggests “a three-pronged approach focused on prevention, intervention and bringing dropouts back into schools is the most effective [solution].”
Technology is on the forefront of all these efforts, and may just give educators, families and communities the edge needed to keep students from giving up.
~ MATT HAUSMANN, Vice President ~
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