Each school district in Maryland is required to track, through data, if students are on track to graduate on time with their peers. Research in a variety of contexts shows that course performance in the 9th grade is the strongest predictor of on time high school graduation, beyond students’ socioeconomic background and levels of preparation when entering high school (Allensworth, 2013). Researchers have measured course performance in two major ways: by looking at credit accumulation at the end of the 9th grade and by examining the number of semester core course failures. Research across states and districts shows that core course credits, course failures, and absenteeism are highly successful at predicting on-time high school graduation for students completing 9th grade. 

In ACPS, our goal is to help students and parents understand being on track for graduation and being prepared for college and career readiness (CCR). To meet Maryland High School Diploma requirements, a student in ACPS must earn 23 credits. The student may not have enough course credits to graduate on time with peers. There are specific core credit requirements, as well as program completer and elective requirements, that have to be met. At the end of Grade 9, the student transcript is evaluated to determine if the student is on track to graduate on time with peers. Students who achieve fewer than five (5) credits by the end of Grade 9, including summer school recovery, are deemed NOT on TRACK to graduate on time.   

It is critical for parents and students to understand that a high school student may be identified as being in a certain grade level due to their chronological age only, but the student will not be able to graduate in four (4) years if the 23 credits, including specific program and core requirements, are not met by the end of Grade 12. 

It’s crucial that students have the foundational skills and knowledge in core areas such as ELA, math and science so that they can earn CCR status and  pursue whatever post-CCR pathway they choose, including participating in a career pathway, apprenticeship, dual enrollment, and advanced coursework. Lack of academic achievement may negatively affect whether or not a student can attend the Career Center, enroll in Advanced Placement  (AP) courses, enroll in specialized academic programs such as P-TECH, or take early college/dual enrollment courses since there are eligibility requirements to take these programs.  

Children typically have higher achievement when parents support their child’s learning at home and throughout their school years. Experts recognize that parental involvement has a greater effect on a child’s success in school than the parents’ level of education or their socio-economic status. A high school diploma is a critical step to enrolling in college, career or technical programs, or entering entry-level employment where a student can earn a salary needed for a quality life. Together, we can help your child thrive---not just survive. 

The following recommendations will help your child stay on track to graduate on time: 

• Require Daily School Attendance. Parents are key to building good attendance habits. Parents want their children to perform well in school, but many parents do not recognize the connection between chronic absences and a student’s academic achievement and progress. Missing 10% or more of a school year, or about one to three days every few weeks, really adds up. This makes it harder for students to gain reading and math skills, build relationships with other students and their teachers, and develop good attendance habits. 

• Monitor classroom performance and behavior.  Meet your child’s teachers during the school’s open house and be sure to attend parent conferences. Monitor your child’s grades. Grades are usually posted on a weekly basis. If your child is not performing at grade level, ask about reading or math interventions and tutoring opportunities. Staff at your child’s school are available to help students grow academically and behaviorally.  

Prioritize homework.  You can help your child with homework by establishing a regular time for homework and by providing a quiet place to concentrate.