Wayne Township Education Foundation
News Details
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The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) Board has approved a $50,000 grant to support a redesigned Freshman On-Track Intervention Program at Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center during the 2026-27 school year.
The investment marks only the second time in WTEF history that the Foundation has awarded $50,000 to a single program, underscoring the Board’s confidence in the program’s potential to make a measurable difference in student success.
The new initiative builds on the district’s longtime Study Tables program but takes a more targeted, data-driven approach. Research consistently identifies ninth grade as a critical turning point in a student’s educational journey, with students who successfully complete freshman year on track significantly more likely to graduate on time.
This research is reinforced by Indiana’s newly adopted accountability model, which identifies freshman “On Track” status as a key indicator of school success and emphasizes early intervention to improve long-term student outcomes. The redesigned program aligns directly with this priority by using data to identify students at risk of falling off track and providing timely, individualized support.
Throughout the school year, staff will conduct five formal “On Track” reviews of every freshman, using indicators such as course failures, credit accumulation, attendance, missing assignments, academic trends and teacher recommendations. Students identified as at risk will receive support including tutoring, assignment assistance, credit recovery planning and organizational coaching.
“We are eternally grateful to WTEF for their investment in our On Track work,” said Dominic Day, Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center Principal. “This grant equips us with resources needed to ensure every single scholar has a supported path toward academic achievement.”
Day added, “By coupling this funding with our early warning data systems and the work of our On Track champion and staff we are breaking down barriers, enhancing our tiered interventions and building momentum needed to ensure our 9th graders reach graduation! This is how we activate and accelerate learning and develop great people. Thank you WTEF!”
ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.