The Make-or-Break Year: Solving the Dropout Crisis One Ninth Grader at a Time by Emily Krone Phillips

The dropout crisis has become an ever-present issue in the United States, but one of the most effective solutions is to intervene early, targeting ninth graders. Research has shown that nearly two-thirds of students who drop out of school do so within the first year of high school, before they have the opportunity to fully adjust to the challenge of the transition from middle school to high school. Thus, working with ninth graders can help prevent them from dropping out and ensure that students will get the skills, education, and support they need to pursue a successful future.

The research about the correlation between ninth grade and dropouts has been consistent across several studies. In the National Education Longitudinal Study, for instance, nearly 66 percent of the students who dropped out of the ninth grade before graduation did so before they had even completed a full year of high school. These findings point to the importance of intervening at the start of high school, so that appropriate supports can be put in place to address the factors contributing to dropping out.

Studies have also revealed the unique challenges posed by transitioning to ninth grade, regardless of whether it takes place in the same Chschool or a new one. While in lower grades students are typically working toward the same academic competency level, the ninth grade marks the start of more specialized classes, such as advanced math and sciences, and exposure to more challenging material. Additionally, the transition from middle school to high school can be difficult in other ways such as developing greater independence, navigating a larger school, and facing increased connectivity among peers, especially when it comes to drug or alcohol use.

Given the data and the knowledge of the unique difficulties faced by ninth graders, the question becomes, How do we intervene in a meaningful and effective way? The answer can be found in Emily Krone Phillips' book, "The Make-or-Break Year: Solving the Dropout Crisis One Ninth Grader at a Time." The book speaks to the core elements necessary to cultivate academic and emotional growth in ninth grade as well as necessary support needed to help students succeed - such as engaging parents, teachers, and administrators.

These core elements include creating a sense of belonging, providing a safe learning environment, developing social-emotional competence, connecting students to relevant learning opportunities, inspiring a positive outlook about education, and teaching the skills for making steep cross-grade transitions. Phillips also outlines best practices for each of these elements, as well as how to support students from historically marginalized backgrounds, such as students of color, students with IEPs, and those from lower-income backgrounds.

In addition to the core elements, Phillips outlines strategies for overcoming very common obstacles such as overcrowded classes, the reluctance of many teachers to embrace change, and student apathy. She also provides guidance on how to create successful student profiles and individual plans that provide support and guidance tailored to the student's unique needs.

The book provides a blueprint for helping ninth graders, but the ultimate goal should be to support students throughout their time in school; thus, Phillips also provides advice on how to build a comprehensive approach to dropout prevention that includes elements such as data-driven decision-making, early identification and intervention, and collaboration across all stakeholders.

Overall, "The Make-or-Break Year" offers an actionable, comprehensive plan for those who want to help ensure that students get the supports and guidance, in ninth grade and beyond, that will help them towards graduation, college, and career success. With the right strategies in place, ninth graders can give themselves the best chance at making their high school dreams a reality.