Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1972. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

By presenting first, statement of theory, and then concrete examples and original exercises, wherever practical, this thesis suggests possible ways to combine linguistic methods with traditional ones to make a more effective approach to teaching language in the ninth grade.

The investigator has undertaken this study to determine whether the present orientation course at Oakdale High School meets the needs of youth whom it serves. Interest in the problem was aroused through controversy form time to time regarding the practicability of such a course as part of the curriculum, since some of the high schools in the county either do not have, or no longer include, Orientation in the curriculum as a separate course.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a transition program had an effect on the academic and social issues that at-risk ninth graders face as they transition to high school. A case study approach based on archival data was used to explore differences in the treatment and control groups. These groups were measured by grade point average (GPA), absences, tardies to school, course failures, discipline referrals, verified credits, and dropouts. Freshman retention, poor attendance, high failure rates, Standards of Learning (SOL) failures, and discipline problems are some of the issues facing at-risk ninth graders as they transition to high school. These issues can contribute to higher dropout rates, therefore making it more difficult to compete in today's workforce. As we prepare our students to compete in today's global economy, it is necessary to examine the current practices that high schools are utilizing to improve student outcomes, and to prepare more effectively for the higher expectations of today's workforce and educational institutions. This quantitative study examined the success of the Academic Careers and Technology (A.C.T.) class at Stuarts Draft High School , a yearlong ninth-grade transition program designed for at-risk students that was first implemented in 2003. The A.C.T. program was designed to provide ninth-grade at-risk students with the skills necessary for making a successful transition from middle school to high school and for continued success in their remaining high school career. The curriculum included extended time on reading comprehension, writing, and organizational and study skills. Additionally, technology integration, conflict resolution, and an adult mentor program were included in the curriculum. / Ed. D.

The movement from middle school to high school is a crucial period as adolescents frequently have a difficult time acclimating to the high school environment and often experience a decline in their academic achievement from middle school to ninth grade (DeLamar and Brown, 2016; Ellerbrock and Kiefer, 2014; Fulk, 2003; Mizelle and Irvin, 2000; Neild, 2009). Many students who drop out of school do so in ninth grade and do not graduate on time with their classmates (Asplaugh, 1998; Bottoms, 2002; Fulk, 2003; Neild, Stoner-Eby, and Furstenberg, 2008). The components of a successful middle school to high school transition program address the academic, procedural, and social challenges students face during this time (Akos and Galassi, 2004; Anderson et al., 2000; Block, 2016; Cauley and Jovanovich, 2006; Ellerbrock et al., 2015; Smith et al., 2006). Richard Samuel School (RSS), a stand-alone ninth-grade center, has addressed transition challenges for over 25 years. This single case study research examined the reasons for development of this unique school configuration, as well as the programmatic structures created to address students' academic, procedural, and social concerns, through the perceptions of former students, staff, and administrators. This study identifies the effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks of the program design which addressed the middle school to high school transition for all students at RSS. The study analyzes the program during the first ten years of its existence, from its inception in 1993 until 2003. As a result of this study, themes around responsive and supportive accountability among staff and students were evident. Through transition structures, such as development of a school support team, core content teachers planning for and teaching advanced and standard level curriculum coupled with student placement on an interdisciplinary team and every student assigned a teacher advisor, students at RSS experienced a positive transition to high school. As a result, a decline in student retention occurred and after year three of implementation, there was a 0% dropout rate. The results of this case study will contribute to research regarding impactful transition programming from middle school to high school. / Doctor of Education / The movement from middle school to high school is a crucial period as students frequently have a difficult time adjusting to the high school environment and often experience a decline in their grades once they leave middle school and enter ninth grade (DeLamar & Brown, 2016; Ellerbrock & Kiefer, 2014; Fulk, 2003; Mizelle & Irvin, 2000; Neild, 2009). Many students who drop out of school do so in ninth grade and do not graduate on time with their classmates (Asplaugh, 1998; Bottoms, 2002; Fulk, 2003; Neild, Stoner-Eby, & Furstenberg, 2008). The transition from middle school to high school involves communication between school personnel, students, and their parents to ensure it is successful. The components of a successful middle school to high school transition program address the academic, procedural, and social challenges students face during this time (Akos & Galassi, 2004; Anderson, Jacobs, Schramm, & Splittgerber, 2000; Block, 2016; Cauley & Jovanovich, 2006; Ellerbrock, Denmon, & Owens, 2015; Smith, Feldwisch, & Abell, 2006). Richard Samuel School (RSS), a stand-alone ninth-grade center, has addressed transition challenges for over 25 years. The focus in this single case study research was to examine the reasons for the development of this unique school configuration, as well as the programmatic structures created to address students’ academic, procedural, and social concerns, through the perceptions of former students, staff, and administrators. An additional focus was to identify the effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks of the program design which addressed the middle school to high school transition for all students at RSS. The study covered the program during the first 10 years of its existence, from its inception in 1993 until 2003. The results of this study contribute to the research regarding impactful transition programming from middle school to high school.

The purpose of this investigation is to make an experimental study of the compiled data obtained from the results of three standardized tests that were administered to two groups of general mathematics students during one semester; and to determine, if possible, by the scores, whether the prescribed course in mathematics makes for any significant increases, or losses in student progress.

The high dropout rate of the United States Virgin Islands school district's ninth-grade students is a major educational problem and the catalyst for a myriad of social problems. Ninth grade academies and extended school day intervention programs have benefited only the academically prepared students. This qualitative case study examined educators' perceptions of the challenges that led to the increased dropout rate of the district's ninth-grade students. Bandura's self-efficacy theory and Atkinson's motivational achievement theory formed the foundational pillars for this study. The research questions were focused on challenges that led to the increased dropout rate of ninth-grade students and the programs implemented to support dropout prevention. The data collection methods consisted of questionnaires from 4 administrators, 4 counselors, and 16 core-subject teachers, and semi-structured group interviews with 2 administrators, 2 counselors, and 8 core subject teachers. Analysis of the data included coding and the identification of common themes. The findings showed that poor school attendance, academic unpreparedness, and disciplinary infractions were some of the challenges that resulted in premature school dropout. Interpretation of the data confirmed that the implementation of proactive and reactive approaches, modified instructional methods, and intervention strategies have proven ineffective. After 10 years, the ninth grade academies of the school district have had no significant effect on promotion or retention rates. The introduction of Ninth Grade Completion via Career Curriculum Academies, a combination of college preparatory and vocational skills classes, may transform education for ninth-graders, increase promotional rates, and benefit the larger community.

The transition from middle school to high school can be challenging for some students. Many school districts are implementing practices to ease the transition to high school. The current study examined one school district's practices and procedures for the development and implementation of a ninth-grade center. In this study, I examined the perceptions of 12 participants (teachers, counselors, and campus and district administrators) in a suburban Texas school district with a ninth-grade center. Using a qualitative descriptive case study methodology, data were collected and analyzed from face-to-face in-depth interviews and a focus group. The findings revealed an overall positive view of ninth-grade centers and a generally favorable impression of separating ninth graders from the remainder of the high school student body, to focus specifically on ninth graders' unique and individual needs. There were some identified concerns related to communication and logistical issues between the ninth-grade center and the main high school campus. From participant feedback, effective campus leadership, providing engaging and ongoing professional learning, having a separate facility, and creating a sense of team through building strong relationships are the specific top four elements that are most effective in developing a ninth-grade center. While this study provides a practical set of recommendations for school districts to guide the development and implementation of a ninth-grade center, expanded research is necessary to confirm the long-range impact on student achievement.

The purpose of this investigation is to compare the changes in the achievement and self-concept of students in CVAE programs which result from the use of group counseling and group-individual counseling.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of using verbal analogies in teaching ninth-grade physical science. The experiment is designed to determine if teaching by analogies is more effective than conventional methods of teaching, and to ascertain the effect of analogies on achievement for different ability levels in different subject areas of physical science.