High-Impact Strategies
9th Grade Focus
Freshman academies, transition programs, and intensive 9th grade support yield the highest returns. Getting students on-track early prevents later dropout.
Early Warning Systems
Systems that identify at-risk students early and trigger intervention improve outcomes when acted upon consistently.
Attendance Focus
Reducing chronic absenteeism directly impacts graduation rates. Students can't graduate if they're not in school.
Graduation Tracking
Monitor credit completion, Michigan Merit requirements, and on-track graduation status.
Implementation Keys
- • Consistency: Implement strategies every year, not just when convenient
- • Fidelity: Follow evidence-based approaches as designed
- • Monitoring: Track leading indicators, not just graduation rates
- • Adjustment: Use data to refine approaches
Avoiding Pitfalls
Don't inflate rates through inappropriate means: encouraging dropouts before cohort membership, excessive alternative diploma use, or gaming transfer documentation.
See AcumenEd in Action
Request a personalized demo and see how AcumenEd can transform your school's data.
Key Takeaways
- High-impact strategies: 9th grade focus, early warning systems, attendance improvement.
- Implement with consistency, fidelity, monitoring, and adjustment.
- Improve rates legitimately—don't game the system.
Dr. Sarah Chen
Chief Education Officer
Former school principal with 20 years of experience in K-12 education. Dr. Chen leads AcumenEd's educational research and curriculum alignment initiatives.
