Focus on the Fundamentals: Protect Student Futures by Tracking Freshman Success!

Research consistently shows that a student’s academic standing at the conclusion of 9th grade predicts high school graduation far more accurately than middle school standardized test scores or socioeconomic background. Ensuring freshmen stay on track with core course credits directly reduces costly remediation, prevents dropout rates, and ensures district operations remain efficient. By measuring leading indicators like 9th-grade credit attainment rather than lagging graduation metrics, boards can fix academic performance early before district funds are wasted. Implementing targeted, accountable interventions during this transition year fulfills our core civic promise to prepare students for real-world career and workforce success. Fiscally responsible stewardship means directing resources toward high-impact, evidence-based academic checkpoints that yield measurable returns for taxpayers.