Impact
Grasp What Once Felt Out of Reach
Through a cross-system, student-first approach, CORE Breakthrough Success Community educators improve the 9th grade outcomes that matter most—and are often the most difficult to shift.
Statewide in Scale. Personal in Practice.
8
Districts
45
Schools
18,000
Students
75%
of students at Breakthrough Success Community schools qualify for free or reduced lunch
When Systems See Students, Students Stay on Track
CORE Breakthrough Success Community districts and schools work together to create conditions that improve 9th grade outcomes: a culture of trust, a rhythm of reflection, and environments where students feel known and supported.
82%
82% of students in Breakthrough Success Community schools implementing our strategies say they feel known and cared for by adults, up from 76% in Fall of ‘23.
58%
Breakthrough Success Community schools have seen up to a 58% increase in on track rates, with an average increase of 36%.
76%
Breakthrough Success Community schools have seen up to a 76% decrease in Ds and Fs, with an average decrease of 48%.
The network has made significant change for the students at our school. Our off-track rate has continued to decrease each year. Our D/F rate has also decreased. I have also seen a significant change in how our 9th grade teachers support students and their willingness to provide students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery.
Breakthrough Success Community Network Member
Professional Growth That Improves 9th Grade Outcomes
Educators in the Breakthrough Success Community don’t just see unprecedented progress—they help lead it. Through targeted strategies, coaching, and collaboration, the 9th grade teams we support build systems that improve belonging, achievement, and results.
CORE’s 9th Grade On-Track work has been transformative for off-track students across our seven comprehensive high schools. Each school team is working collaboratively to ensure students’ academic and personal skills are supported in order to enhance students’ sense of belonging and efficacy. Our work together truly changes students’ lives.
Gabriela Mafi, Superintendent, Garden Grove Unified School District
Participating in this program has been a transformative experience, and I cannot overstate the positive impact it has had on my professional growth and our 9th grade students’ overall success. Participating has instilled in me a profound belief in the power of using data to drive real change.
Abrham Alem, Teacher & Social Studies Department Chair, Oakland Unified School District
Case Studies
Explore how CORE Breakthrough Success Community schools and districts are making remarkable strides in improving 9th grade outcomes.
Garden Grove USD
Goal
-Reduce off-track rates
-Build a systemwide model for 9th grade success
Strategy Highlights
-Launch Summer Bridge
-Embed CORE coaches to support teaming, grading, and relationships
Impact
-Average 9th grade GPA rose to 3.0
-D/F rates dropped from 24% (2020–21) to 13% (2023–24)
Bullard, Fresno USD
Goal
-Reduce off-track rates
-Reduce D/F rates across student groups
Strategy Highlights
-Adopt minimum grading and retakes
-Use surveys and 1:1 counselor check-ins to build relationships
Impact
-Off-track rate dropped from 45% to 35% in one year
-Latinx students improved from 52% to 39%
Castlemont, Oakland USD
Goal
-Reduce off-track rates post pandemic
-Increase alignment in practices
Strategy Highlights
-Create common relational practices across teachers
-Build reliable routine of Gradebook Reviews and Make-Up Days
Impact
-Off-track rate dropped from 59% to 38% (2022–25)
-D/F rate dropped from 18% to 12% (2022–25)