This is a pivotal time for this city. We must reclaim education as a community value.

– Amy Carlsen Kohnstamm, Parent Volunteer

Introducing Ninth Grade Counts

The transition from 8th to 9th grade is a pivotal time for students who struggle academically. Ninth Grade Counts will deliver a citywide network to give young people the support they need to stay on track.

Making Sure That
Ninth Grade Counts – this summer

We know that only two-thirds of local students are graduating on-time. Ninth Grade Counts aims to change that by connecting youth with the support they need to enter high school on the right track. Research led by Connected by 25 has shown us that the ninth grade transition is a critical time for students at risk of disconnecting – especially the summer months.

How do we help students successfully transition into high school?
Ninth Grade Counts is a network of transition support programs for incoming ninth graders at risk of dropping out. Programs are sponsored by community-based organizations and schools dedicated to helping support students through this crucial transition period. Check out the opportunities for this summer in the 2010 Ninth Grade Counts Guide Book.

Ninth Grade Counts Summer 2009 – at a glance

22 partner programs across Portland and Multnomah County
800 students completed summer transition programs
6 participating school districts
450 students took part in weekly college & career site visits through the Summer Youth Corps
36 full-time AmeriCorps/VISTA members deployed to support partner programs
28 Masters of Arts in Teaching students from Marylhurst University provided classroom support
$556,972 dollars in in-kind support was provided to partner programs to help them succeed

Non-profits, schools and other youth program providers

The job is too big for any one organization to take on alone. Join the community-wide effort to help all our students start high school on the right track. Get in touch with us to learn more about becoming a Ninth Grade Counts partner.

Now it’s your turn.

To learn more about Ninth Grade Counts, contact Nate Waas Shull at the Portland Schools Foundation (503) 234-5404 ext. 11 nate@thinkschools.org

NINTH GRADE COUNTS COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE INFORMATION

Ninth Grade Counts partners are meeting regularly throughout the year to share information and resources and plan for a successful summer 2010. Information on those meetings is below.

May 2010 Meeting Materials:

May Meeting – Agenda and Notes
Partnership Pledge document – Ninth Grade Counts

March 2010 Meeting Materials:

March Meeting – Agenda and Notes
Ninth Grade Counts 2009 Overview Slideshow
Resource Description and Request form – 2010

January 2010 Meeting Materials:

January Meeting – Agenda and Notes
AmeriCorps VISTA opportunities presented through Oregon Red Cross

November 2009 Meeting Materials:

November Meeting – Agenda and Notes
Materials shared on the PPS 9th grade summer transition program
Cornell note taking materials shared by Parkrose School District