On October 25, 2024, Higher Achievement hosted a special lunch conversation on the critical importance of the 8th to 9th grade transition. In a time where academic recovery, chronic absenteeism, and youth mental health struggles persist, this conversation offered potential solutions and practical advice. More than 50 participants joined in conversation with a panel of six distinguished researchers, authors, and practitioners – listed below.
- Emily Krone Phillips – Communications Director for Spencer Foundation and Author of “Make or Break Year” – profiling Chicago’s work in 9th grade
- Nancy Deutsch – Associate Dean, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia
- Adar Howard – Higher Achievement alumna and former Principal in Residence at Rocketship Public Charter Schools
- Dionne Henderson – President and CEO, Partnership for the Future in Richmond, VA
- Glenn Starnes, Senior Deputy Chief, SEAD Strategy – DC Public Schools
- Chrisanne LaHue, Director of 9th grade Academies – DC Public Schools
Key themes from this panel include:
- Especially in the 8th– 9th grade transition, students need to be seen fully – for who they are inside and outside of school. Every child should have at least one meaningful relationship with an adult in the school community. To do so, schools can’t do this on their own – partnerships with out-of-school time programs and mentors are essential. There are lots of lessons to learn from work in Chicago, Broward County Florida, and Washington DC – with the 9th Grade Academies that have been underway for 12 years.
- The early adolescent brain has “aged prematurely” due to the impact of COVID. Students were either insulated for too long from the healthy risk-taking needed in this time of brain development, or they had to take on adult duties at a much earlier age. This continues to show up in classrooms, with a less socially and cognitively developed cohort of students – and it is particularly notable in adolescent girls.
- The first 30 days of 9th grade are “make or break” for school attendance. If schools and partners can get students to attend 100% of the first 30 days, they are almost guaranteed to have strong attendance for the rest of the school year.
- The summer before 9th grade is a particularly important time for student engagement and support – to bridge into high school successfully and with a strong set of skills and relationships with adults and peers.
This conversation will inform Higher Achievement’s plans to expand the reach of our 8th to 9th grade transition work, with new, generous financial support from the Aviv Foundation.