Research focusing on identifying the risk factors associated with students who drop out of high school is featured in this professional development video excerpt from FRONTLINE: "Middle School Moment." Professor Robert Balfanz’s research has shown that middle school is the key moment when, absent effective intervention, students can fall into the patterns that lead them to drop out during high school. In a middle school in New York, Principal Delores Peterson saw value in this research and put it into practice. The video features the story of student Omarina Cabrera, whose chaotic home life caused her to frequently arrive late at school. This triggered a response by her school’s intervention team, who helped provide the targeted support she needed to stay engaged and become successful at school. This resource is part of FRONTLINE collection.