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"I have realized a key truth: If you want to reshape high school, start by changing 9th grade," says teacher Billie Donegan. Donegan has worked on high school reform focused on the 9th grade with a variety of groups and programs. She questions the efficacy of reform programs that "tinker around the edges" by introducing student orientations or advisory programs. And why, she asks, are the "newbies" teaching 9th graders?  Donegan shares some provocative reform ideas related to scheduling and staff changes. "Either talk with the teachers you want to tap for 9th grade one-on-one, letting teachers know it's because of their skill that you want them with the freshmen. Call it missionary work, strike deals if you have to, but don't take no for an answer," Donegan advises school leaders. "Or, talk with the school as a whole and gradually build up the idea that the best and brightest should be teaching 9th grade. When you announce staffing changes, those who shift to 9th will know it's a compliment."

Donegan, B. (2008). The linchpin year. Educational leadership (May 2008, Vol. 65, No. 8). Retrieved from ASCD 29 May 2008. http://www.ascd.org/portal/site/ascd/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.459dee00...

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