Understanding the Research
Understanding the Research
Embedded Files
Go to most frequently used resources:
During the 2017-2018 school year, SDP’s Office of Research and Evaluation, in partnership with the Philadelphia Education Research Consortium, began a series of studies focused on the factors that keep high school students on track for graduation.
Four initial projects they undertook had a primary focus on analyzing 9th Grade On-Track, including:
Defining 9th Grade On-Track
Defining 9th Grade On-Track
In order to conduct research about factors that influence high school success, it is first necessary to define what qualifies as success. Chicago’s To&Through Project has demonstrated the power of a simple, accessible metric that strongly predicts on-time graduation.
(Source: Office of Research and Evaluation)
Report: Defining 9th Grade Success: A New 9th Grade On Track Definition
“This brief introduces a concise way to measure 9th grade success in the School District of Philadelphia by providing early indication of a student’s progress to on-time graduation (within four years of the first time attending 9th grade). It also presents evidence from analyses of Chicago Public Schools data and internal School District of Philadelphia (SDP) analyses that support the use of this measure.”
Describing On-Track Students
Describing On-Track Students
Describes student subgroups (by gender, race, etc.) from recent cohorts that were more or less likely to finish 9th Grade On Track and the resulting implications for policy and practice.
(Source: Office of Research and Evaluation)
Report: Getting On Track to Graduation: Ninth Graders’ Credit Accumulation in the School District of Philadelphia, 2015-2017
“This study applies the 2018 Ninth Grade On-Track Definition to students who were first-time ninth graders in the SDP during the 2015-16 or 2016-17 school years. The study examines how many students were on track to graduation, the characteristics of on-track and off-track students, and how on-track rates differ across high schools. Although the On-Track Definition was not in place at the time these students were in ninth grade, the analysis provides a benchmark against which progress can be measured and identifies characteristics of students and schools that might need additional support to start strong when they enter high school.”
Supporting 9th Grade Students From the Start
Supporting 9th Grade Students From the Start
Some students start out high school well prepared, demonstrate success, then begin to struggle. Other students, however, struggle immediately when they enter high school. This report identifies ways for high schools to identify students that are most likely to start poorly – and to identify them before their first day of 9th grade.
(Source: Office of Research and Evaluation)
Report: Ready from the Start: Identifying and Supporting At-Risk Ninth Graders from their Earliest Days in High School
“This study examines what can be known about entering ninth graders, based on their eighth grade school records, that can inform high schools about students’ likelihood of being on track at the end of their first year. Specifically, the study uses de-identified student record data for two cohorts of SDP ninth graders to identify the strongest predictors of being on track to graduation at the end of ninth grade.”
9th Grade Attendance
9th Grade Attendance
Attendance is always important, but research has consistently shown that attendance during the 9th grade year is especially impactful. This analysis goes beyond this established finding, and seeks to identify specific patterns of attendance that may deepen our understanding of how and when absences may be most damaging, or most avoidable. Once identified these patterns could provide school personnel with tools to tailor interventions to their specific students.
(Source: Office of Research and Evaluation).
Report: How Much Does 9th Grade Attendance Matter?
This report shows that “the relationship between 9th grade attendance and graduation rate is dramatic and clear. The better a student’s attendance in 9th grade, the higher the probability that [they] will graduate on time.”
Explore Further
Explore Further
The table below includes additional foundational content to learn more as your progress in your 9GOT practices.
Emerging is good for staff that are new to the 9th Grade On-Track work, and/or schools that are just starting to implement the 9th Grade On-Track tools and initiatives. Progressing is good for staff/schools who have basic knowledge of the materials and have implemented core components of the model but want to further the implementation. Accelerating is for schools that have successfully implemented many of the 9th Grade On-Track tools and initiatives and are looking for ways to advance the work even further.
Resource Link
Description
Level
Watch this 45 minute session for an overview of the research and tools involved with 9th Grade On-Track, and a Q&A session with schools that are implementing the work in Philadelphia.
Emerging
SDP’s “Defining 9th Grade On Track” report references work from Chicago Public Schools’ early improvement efforts. The starting point of the focus on Freshman On-Track in Chicago was this 2005 research report from the UChicago Consortium on School Research.
Emerging
A panel of school practitioners (including SDP’s own Dr. Aja Carpenter!) reflecting on the work across the country. (53 min video)
Emerging
Reference the Office of Research and Evaluation’s site to stay current on research findings on 9th Grade On-Track across SDP, such as a second report (From Ninth Grade On-Track to College Matriculation) which ties 9th Grade On-Track to postsecondary success.
Progressing
Customize this sample slide template to present the an overview of SDP's 9th Grade On-track work -- includes research overview and tools introduction.
Accelerating
Produced by the School District of Philadelphia, this logic model describes the components of a high functioning ninth grade academy that would lead to high attendance, zero suspensions, and all students passing their coursework and ready to engage in 10th grade work, with long-term impact aligned to the goal of 100% of students graduating ready for college and career.
Accelerating
Review the Philadelphia Education Research Consortium’s findings on 9th Grade on Track across SDP: “Getting Back on Track: How Off-Track Ninth Graders Progressed in Later Years of High School, Class of 2017 and 2018."
Accelerating
Google Sites
Report abuse