Schools can require an upgraded academic core and a concentration for graduation.
They can also set threshold goals, provide aggressive guidance and advisement services, develop challenging and exciting majors, and work with feeder middle schools. Teachers need staff development to learn to use new instructional techniques that will actively engage students in learning. Staff development topics related to this challenge include cooperative learning, project-based learning, use of technology, applied instructional methods, integrated learning, reading and writing for learning, teacher teams and collaborative planning and teaching in a block schedule. Too many students in grade 9 are unprepared for high school. Other extra-help approaches include assistance for students earning a grade below a B, study teams for mathematics and science, research on failing ninth graders, new technology and tutors.