Jeanne Willard / Herald Forum
The path to graduation starts in ninth grade.
Get that first year of high school right, and a student is three times more likely to graduate. Get it wrong, and the risks of falling behind skyrocket. That’s why Everett Public Schools joined the research-aligned 9th Grade Success Initiative three years ago. Thanks to a state grant, we formed “success teams” at Cascade and Everett High Schools to keep a laser focus on ninth graders.
The results are clear: More students are staying on track, graduation rates are improving, and teachers feel better equipped to support students. Before the program, only 64 percent of Everett’s ninth graders passed all their classes. Two years later, internal data shows that number has soared to 74 percent. More importantly, we’ve closed opportunity gaps between student groups so that those who historically faced barriers to success are performing on par with their peers.
Teachers see firsthand how small interventions change lives. One educator worked with a student excelling in most subjects but failing in science; not because of comprehension, but organization. With grant funding, educators developed a simple folder system to help ninth graders manage assignments that made an impact for the entire grade.
Each school-based team includes educators, counselors and administrators paired with a dedicated coach providing real-time feedback. Teachers also participate in collaborative efforts throughout the year to refine strategies and support one another. As a result, staff know their students better, can intervene earlier and foster a stronger sense of belonging in classrooms.
This initiative also makes financial sense. Keeping students on track in ninth grade reduces the need for costly credit recovery programs and summer school.
Yet, with Washington state facing a $10 billion to $15 billion budget deficit, its funding is at risk. Cutting this program would be shortsighted. The data is clear: this initiative works. I think my colleague said it best: “If there is anything that is making a difference, it’s this. We need this program.”
Jeanne Willard is executive director of College and Career Readiness and Extended Learning Options for Everett Public Schools.
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