Gail Hudson and Jeanne Walker

The "FIT (Freshmen in Transition)" program was started in January 2007 to assist ninth-grade students at Sprayberry High School who were in danger of failing the ninth grade. There were 76 students that needed help; however, the resources - teachers and classroom space - only allowed for one class. Hudson and Walker want to continue to expand on the scope of the program and study skills curriculum to assist students who are transitioning from middle school to high school. The students who will participate in this phase of the program will be chosen based on their scores on the eighth-grade competency test that is given to all Georgia students. The program includes academic planning, time management, organizational skills, test taking skills, goal setting and improved communication with parents and guardians. Ultimately, the program hopes to reduce the high school drop out rate at the school, increase rates of students applying to post-secondary institutions and ultimately graduating from those institutions, and to assist students in acquiring skills to successfully plan and achieve their educational, career and personal goals.