What steps can be taken to assure that 8th graders make a successful transition to 9th grade? More students fail ninth grade than any other grade level. When middle school students took part in high school transition programs with a variety of different articulation activities, fewer students were retained in ninth grade. Ideally, these transition programs include activities that provide students and parents with current information about the new school, provide students with social support and opportunities for peer interaction during the transition, provide opportunities for parent involvement and bring middle school and high school personnel together to learn about one another's curriculum, special programs, requirements and expectations. School leaders can ease students' transition into high school by implementing transition programs that address the needs of students and their parents and that facilitate communication between middle school and high school teachers and support staff. Effective high school transition programs address the following key areas: (1) Providing parents and students with information about the new school; (2) Provide opportunities for peer interaction and social support; (3) Provide opportunities for parent involvement; (4) Provide opportunities for communication between middle and high school teachers and support staff; and (5) Provide academic support for incoming ninth graders. (Contains 5 online resources.)