A comprehensive guide for parents sending their students to 9th grade for the first time.
Written by experts, 9th Grade Ready prepares parents for the unique year ahead.
9th Grade Ready includes:
How 9th grade differs from 8th and moving through preparing for 10th grade.
How to choose courses and comprehend graduation credits.
Expert advice on a wide range of topics, from academic expectations to emotional and social development.
Practical suggestions and relatable anecdotes.
Conversation starters for you and your soon-to-be high schooler to open new lines of communication that can continue throughout the school year.
Effective strategies to balance guidance and support with encouraging self-reliance, helping parents strike the right balance.
Get prepared for a special year.
Your teen is on their way to their first year of high school, congratulations! If you’re wondering what to expect during this milestone year, you’ll find loads of information in 9th Grade Ready useful to you and your student.
9th Grade Ready is edited by Timothy M. Dove, who was the 2011 and 2012 Ohio State Teacher of the Year, where he was a 7th and 8th grade teacher. He has also been an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University. Since retirement from K–12, Tim has been a consultant with Battelle for Kids in Hong Kong, Learning Forward, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), and the Collaboration for Effective Education, Development, Accountability and Reform (CEEDAR) Center.
Contributors include:
John Skretta, 2017 Nebraska Superintendent of the Year
Lorynn Guerrero, 2022 New Mexico State Teacher of the Year
Joan Hurley, 2008 Connecticut State Teacher of the Year
Tiffany Richard, 2012 Kansas State Teacher of the Year
Heidi Crumrine, 2018 New Hampshire State Teacher of the Year
Mandy Manning, 2018 National and Washington State Teacher of the Year
Al Rabanera, Algebra Teacher, California
Bethany Bernasconi, 2012 New Hampshire State Teacher of the Year
Barbara Hopkins, PhD, 1988 Nebraska State Teacher of the Year
Jada Reeves, 2019 West Virginia State Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Skomial, 2019 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year
Jim Shaner, STEM/Science Teacher, Ohio
Heidi Edwards, Physical Science and AP Biology Teacher, Ohio
Stacey McAdoo, 2019 Arkansas State Teacher of the Year
Carolyn Kielma, 2023 Connecticut State Teacher of the Year
“Real, relevant, and more importantly—the right advice for incoming 9th graders and their parents from some of the best and experienced educators in the country. This book does a great job detailing the thoughts, emotions, setbacks, and successes that students will most likely encounter in high school. And the book gives guidance on how to make the most of these years to prepare students for their future. As a high school principal, I want our students and parents to have this book.”
Jeff Charbonneau
2013 National Teacher of the Year, and Principal of Zillah High School
“Ninth graders can be thoughtful, hilarious, infuriating, and inspiring... sometimes all in the span of one conversation. If supporting your new high schooler feels daunting, this book has you covered. In each chapter, an experienced educator will guide you in better understanding what’s driving your 9th grader’s behavior and offer concrete advice, including conversation starters and sample emails, to make it through the year. As a parent and a 9th grade teacher, I can say that my favorite part of this book is the compassion that runs through every page. These authors know your student well, even if they have never met them, and they are dedicated to helping them succeed.”
Sydney Chaffee
2017 National and Massachusetts State Teacher of the Year