Return to search

Supportive Conditions for the Successful Development of Ninth-Grade Centers

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.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1703422
Date05 1900
CreatorsHunt, Bradley Allen
ContributorsPazey, Barbara, van Tassell, Frances, Waldrip, Mike, Voelkel, Robert
PublisherUniversity of North Texas
Source SetsUniversity of North Texas
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis or Dissertation
Formatviii, 149 pages, Text
CoverageUnited States - Texas
RightsPublic, Hunt, Bradley Allen, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved.

Page generated in 0.0023 seconds