The Ninth Grade Opportunity

About the Book

Across the country, high school freshmen have the highest rates of failure, discipline problems, and truancy. Defined as the "make it or break it" year, ninth grade can be a trying time for teenagers learning to make their own way in the world. The Ninth Grade Opportunity provides educators with a useful framework to build and implement a team-based Freshman Transition program, ultimately allowing teachers to play an integral role in ensuring every student's success.

Scott Habeeb, Ray Moore and Alan Seibert have over 60 years of combined experience as teachers and administrators, and together have compiled a guidebook centered around a teaming approach that empowers teachers to better meet freshmen needs. Based on concepts behind their popular Freshman Transition workshops, the authors share ideas about why and how teaming teachers works and how it can benefit schools. Road maps provide guidance for teachers to learn specifically how to create a program built around key elements such as:

• Standardized expectations
• Learning skills
• Classroom leadership
• Parent/teacher contact

Educators everywhere will benefit from the practical advice, expert insight, and helpful tips that transform the ninth grade problem into The Ninth Grade Opportunity, ensuring a successful transition for every high school student.

About the Author

Scott Habeeb, a graduate of Virginia Tech, has a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. He has worked as a ninth grade teacher, school Web page designer, coach, assistant principal, and high school principal. He lives in Salem, Virginia.

Ray Moore, a 1971 graduate of Virginia Tech lives in Salem, Virginia and taught high school students for nearly four decades. He worked as a ninth grade English teacher and beginning in 1991 served as the chair of Salem High School's ninth grade transition program until his retirement in 2014.

Alan Seibert, earned his doctor of education in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech in 2000. He has worked as a ninth grade Earth Science teacher, a middle and high school assistant principal, an elementary school principal, and now is superintendent of schools for the City of Salem. He lives in Salem, Virginia.