Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR): A Comprehensive, Strength-Based Approach to Improve Ninth-Grade Student Outcomes

Building Assets, Reducing Risks (BARR) is a comprehensive, strength-based approach that uses eight interlocking strategies to build intentional staff-to-staff, staff-to-student, and student-to-student relationships in secondary schools. BARR is intended to target the challenges that students face when transitioning into high school, particularly in the ninth grade. The program focuses on creating a positive school culture by restructuring the ninth-grade experience, providing professional development for teachers, and using data to identify and support students who need extra help. BARR's eight strategies include: (1) Focus on the Whole Student, (2) Professional Development, (3) I-Time Curriculum, (4) Create Groups of Students with Common Teachers, (5) Hold Regular Block/Team Meetings, (6) Risk-Review Meetings, (7) Engage Families, and (8) Engage Administrators. These strategies aim to improve student outcomes, such as reducing course failure, improving attendance