Do Early Warning Systems Help High School Students Stay on Track for College? Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Ninth Grade Success Pilot

• In Event: Equity and Effectiveness: Evaluation of Policies and Programs

Abstract

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature authorized funding to support a dropout early warning and intervention data system to be piloted during the 2019-20 school year. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) launched the Ninth Grade Success Pilot in five high schools beginning in the 2019-20 school year. We use multiple methods to evaluate changes in student outcomes over time and understand implementation processes. We find the program led to improvements in course grades and, to a lesser degree, behavioral outcomes, with little change in student attendance. Data coaches perceived that this program led to more effective targeting of services to higher-need students and better preparation for COVID-19 school shutdown. We discuss implications for policy and practice.

Authors

• David S. Knight, University of Washington

• Julia Cassman Duncheon, University of Washington

• Kefi Anderson, Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

• Matthew Frizzell