{"id":945,"date":"2024-01-16T23:18:55","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T23:18:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stand.org\/washington\/?page_id=945"},"modified":"2024-06-05T23:15:47","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T23:15:47","slug":"9th-grade-a-critical-year-for-students","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stand.org\/washington\/9th-grade-a-critical-year-for-students\/","title":{"rendered":"9th Grade: A Critical Year for Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Students go from 8th grade to a bigger pond: high school. Classes are in different rooms with different teachers. Students have new schedules, a new culture and more. It can be overwhelming and scary. In addition to the mental and emotional adjustments, educationally, 9th grade is a crucial year for a high school\u2019s newest students. Ninth graders who pass all their classes are 3x more likely to graduate on time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the last several years, Stand for Children Washington has highlighted the critical importance of 9th grade and the need for evidence-based strategies to support student success. We advocated for Washington state to invest in these supports, including the creation of the Ninth Grade Success Initiative at OSPI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ninth Grade Success Initiative is now in 53 schools across 37 school districts (from an initial pilot in 5 districts in 2019-2020). Schools are reporting year-over-year increases in Ninth Grade On-Track rates! This is confirmed\/validated by independent evaluators who found that compared to similarly situated comparison schools, schools with the Ninth Grade Success Initiative had nearly 7% higher Ninth Grade On-Track rates. If implemented statewide, a 7% increase in on track rates would result in an additional 9,000 students graduating each year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means 9,000 more Washingtonian\u2019s can begin their postsecondary aspirations and can become the leaders of tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As WA lawmakers deliberate funding priorities, we have an opportunity to demand that they act now to support 9th graders and ensure our students are graduating on-time. The Ninth Grade Success Initiative sets up 13,000 students to graduate on time each year. If funding for this initiative expires, 13,000 students are in jeopardy of falling off-track. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our lawmakers have an obligation to ensure Washington\u2019s students can thrive, so we demand\u2014 fund the Ninth Grade Success Initiative now! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email Tips:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. The most impactful messages will be personalized! Share who you are and why the Ninth Grade Success Initiative matters to you. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Personalize the subject line to stand out. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. End your message with a strong ask to fully fund the Ninth Grade Success Initiative at $2.9 million in the final budget.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    ADVOCACY<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \n
    \n