Recorded SessionIntroduction (5 minutes)
• Content: Share the context of Camelback High School and the demographics that shape Freshman House.
• Engagement: Quick poll or hand-raise activity: “How many of you have freshmen in your building right now?”
Why 9th Grade Matters (10 minutes)
• Content: Present research on why 9th grade success is the strongest predictor of graduation. Use Camelback’s journey: pre-Freshman House vs. today.
• Engagement: Ask participants to turn and talk about the biggest challenges their 9th graders (or any students) face.
Freshman House Model (15 minutes)
• Content: Explain the structure—teams, common prep, weekly data meetings, wraparound supports. Highlight CARES Survey, student-talk protocol, and concept recovery.
• Engagement: Share a sample data dashboard or CARES survey item and have participants discuss how they might use similar data in their own context.
Data in Action (15 minutes)
• Content: Show how Freshman House uses attendance, grades, and behavior data to tackle three big issues: absenteeism, failing classes, and gaps in prior learning.
• Engagement: Case study walk-through. Give participants a sample student profile with data points. Ask small groups to identify possible interventions.
Results and Replicable Practices (10 minutes)
• Content: Share outcomes—growth in on-track rates, improved graduation readiness, consistent systems despite staff changes.
• Engagement: Invite participants to write down one “easy” takeaway and one “hard” but possible takeaway, then share with a neighbor.
Closing & Q&A (5 minutes)
Content: Summarize key takeaways: belonging, opportunity, reflection, expertise.
Engagement: Quick whole-group share of biggest aha’s or next steps.
After this session, participants will be able to:
Explain why 9th grade on-track success is the strongest predictor of high school graduation.
Analyze examples of how data-driven collaboration among teachers, counselors, and administrators can improve attendance, passing rates, and address gaps in prior learning.
Design practical, replicable systems for monitoring key data and implementing targeted interventions that improve freshman outcomes and strengthen school culture.
• Allensworth, E. M., & Easton, J. Q. (2007). What Matters for Staying On-Track and Graduating in Chicago Public High Schools. Chicago: Consortium on Chicago School Research.
o Landmark study showing that freshman on-track status is the strongest predictor of high school graduation.
• Balfanz, R. (2009). Putting Middle Grades Students on the Graduation Path. Everyone Graduates Center, Johns Hopkins University.
o Highlights the critical link between early warning indicators (attendance, behavior, course performance) and graduation outcomes.
• Nagaoka, J., & Healey, K. (2016). The Educational Attainment of Chicago Public Schools Students: 2015. University of Chicago Consortium on School Research.
o Extends research on freshman success and long-term graduation/college persistence.
• Allensworth, E. M. (2013). The Make or Break Year: What the Research Says about the Importance of 9th Grade. University of Chicago Consortium on School Research.
o Explains why freshman year is pivotal and how interventions can dramatically improve graduation rates.
• Balfanz, R., & Byrnes, V. (2012). The Importance of Being in School: A Report on Absenteeism in the Nation’s Public Schools. Johns Hopkins University.
o Foundational research connecting chronic absenteeism with achievement and graduation.
• National High School Center. (2007). Approaches to Dropout Prevention: Heeding Early Warning Signs with Appropriate Interventions. Washington, DC.
o Resource for schools building data-driven systems to keep students on track.
• Bryk, A. S., Sebring, P. B., Allensworth, E., Luppescu, S., & Easton, J. Q. (2010). Organizing Schools for Improvement: Lessons from Chicago. University of Chicago Press.
o Identifies essential supports that improve outcomes, including relational trust and collaborative data use.
• Center for High School Success (CHSS). https://highschoolsuccess.org
o National organization supporting schools in building Freshman Success models, with tools and case studies.
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