On Track or Falling Behind? How States Include Measures of 9th Grade Performance in Their ESSA Plans

In this brief, Achieve outlines a state-by-state comparison of early warning indicator systems. These systems measure aspects of 9^th grade student performance to determine if students are ‘on track’ for future academic success or are at risk for dropping-out. The brief outlines how states have included these early warning ‘on track’ indicators into accountability and data efforts in their Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plans. The brief also provides recommendations for how to operationalize on-track indicators at the state level by providing support for local development for these systems, setting goals and monitoring, and investing in timely and impactful reporting.