Critical grade often taught by uncertified instructors, study finds

Courses taught in the freshman high-school year -- considered the critical period for struggling students in determining whether they will take a path toward either graduation or dropping out -- are more likely to be dominated by inexperienced, uncredentialed teachers than are classes for upperclassmen, according to a study on Philadelphia high schools. "What is concerning is that ninth grade is such a vulnerable year," said lead author Ruth Curran Neild. "When you have people teaching ninth grade who are so inexperienced and who know so little about teaching ninth grade, it's potentially a problem." Education Week (premium article access compliments of Edweek.org)