Did you know there is a high school failure epidemic in America? Large numbers of students are entering high school poorly prepared and hot knowing what to do to be successful. The number of unsuccessful students is even higher in the African American, Hispanic and Native American communities. What should be done to change the tide?

With all of the work being done before students enter high school, we wonder why some who appear to be ready for high school still have academic and social adjustment problems. One reason could be that students are not given a concrete plan for success when they enter high school. A one-hour or even half-day orientation for high school just isn't enough. Another reason could be that students coming from middle school were in a more nurturing atmosphere and that atmosphere is gone when they get to high school. Students now have to make more adult decisions and go to classes in a building with students who are much older. Frankly, some young people are not ready for that kind of environment.

Whatever reasons some ninth graders are not ready to handle the rigors of high school, and this manual can help. This manual provides a survival kit that includes proven strategies for success during the high school years. The epidemic of not being prepared for the high school journey can officially be over for all students who take advantage of the many strategies utilized in this manual. All students can have success in high school if they are willing to spend time preparing themselves for the future. The future can be successful if they reach out for it.