What would best help a new 9th grade English teacher improve her students' academic performance?

The best choice for helping a new 9th grade English teacher improve her students' academic performance is to consult with the at-risk specialist and collaborate with the 9th grade English team on future instruction. This approach promotes a comprehensive strategy that addresses the academic needs of students at various levels within the same grade.

Collaborating with the at-risk specialist allows the teacher to gain insights into specific challenges that her students may face, particularly those who are struggling with reading or other academic skills. This specialist can provide targeted recommendations and strategies tailored to assist these students effectively.

Working with the 9th grade English team also fosters shared accountability and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within the staff. Team collaboration can lead to developing unified teaching strategies, lesson plans, and instructional methods that cater to diverse learning styles. The collective expertise and experience of the team can enhance the quality of instruction that all students receive, ultimately leading to improved academic performance across the classroom.

By combining these two collaborative efforts, the teacher can ensure that her students receive comprehensive support both academically and socially, which is pivotal for their success in high school.