K-12 education is the foundation of a student’s academic career. But one grade sticks out above the rest: ninth grade. Success in ninth grade is the single most powerful metric for predicting students’ educational and career success. Learn why ninth grade matters so much and what to do if a student falls off track during their freshman year.

This episode features Jen Hatmaker, an American author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter, in conversation with Krystal Payne, Co-executive director at the network for college success. Jen and Krystal discuss ninth grade, and how it is the most powerful predictor of high school success, college success, and career success in the United States. This is why investing in quality K12 education and especially early intervention is so important. Krystal talks about having dedicated ninth grade teacher teams, student data, and strong social and emotional supports to know students’ stories and meet them where they are.

Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-about

For more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.org

To learn more about the importance of ninth grade:

NSI Ideas Article: https://usprogram.gatesfoundation.org/news-and-insights/articles/what-we-are-seeing-in-the-networks-for-school-improvement-work

Why Is Ninth Grade a Critical Time for Students? A Researcher Explains: https://usprogram.gatesfoundation.org/news-and-insights/articles/why-is-ninth-grade-a-critical-time-for-students-a-researcher-explains

The GRAD Partnership: https://www.gradpartnership.org/

The On-Track Indicator as a Predictor of High School Graduation: https://consortium.uchicago.edu/publications/track-indicator-predictor-high-school-graduation

For more on the work of our guest, Krystal Payne: https://ncs.uchicago.edu/directory/krystal-payne

Learn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.com

Our production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker.

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