Public school students across the United States continue to have high rates of chronic absenteeism surging upwards of 30%. While the Covid pandemic may be thought of as the initial trigger, research indicates that a higher proportion of students with the most absences are made up of high-risk populations such as students who live in poverty, students with disabilities and students that speak English as a second language. It has been well documented that low academic achievement and limited social-emotional resiliency are often found associated with poor school attendance. When students fall behind academically and/or socially, stressors and fear of attending school increase and therefore the cycle of missing school continues.
Given the gravity of this dilemma, districts across the country have implemented many creative solutions of support, each beginning by reaching out to families to offer targeted approaches of consideration, not just for the student, but also for the whole family. Here are several you may find worth considering:
Transportation Support
While there are several reasons that transportation is a significant factor in student absenteeism, districts are offering a handful of unique ways to help get students to and from school. Gas cards are handed to some families whereby they can fill their vehicle’s tank. It takes gas in the tank to make a daily drive to and from school. Parents are then also able to make much needed errand stops to pick up household basics such as food and healthcare needs. Some districts are offering what they call “concierge” transportation. This may include school transportation departments continuously rerouting their buses to get as close to each child’s home so there is more incentive to hop on the bus. This is particularly the case when parents are already gone from the home for an early work shift. Taking transportation needs further, there are districts that have set up Uber or Lyft rides for individual students even for those that live close enough to walk but need the added motivation or support. Districts are also offering walking groups to encourage students to feel safe and build a social network as they bond on their way to school.
School Nurses
These highly trained individuals are a tried-and-true asset in supporting students and their families with school related concerns including absenteeism. School nurses are focused on keeping students healthy and in school. They see many students and can identify which students are frequently coming to their health office and the purpose for their visit. This gives the nurses insight into whether a child is hungry, tired, emotionally distraught, chronically ill and/or how they are doing academically in class. The nurses can console a student and contact their family, as well as potentially request a Student Assistance Team meeting and/or find any outside connections that may be a resource for the family.
Social-Emotional-Support
Families and students may benefit from trusting supportive relationships with school personnel. School counselors often track student attendance and contact parents to communicate care and concern. Once the counselor has established a bond with a family, they may provide a variety of resources like wrap-around services, gift cards for shoes, haircuts, or groceries and/or a list of city organizations that support families in need. Some schools are using a peer-to-peer model even with the youngest of school aged children. Peer participants are taught basic strategies to help their classmates feel safe and welcome. This might include a pat on the back, simple words of kindness, and when it seems appropriate for the peer model to go to an adult to express concern. Studies show peer-to-peer support models produce improved attendance, increased social interactions and decreased classroom disruptions.
Emotional Safety
When principals and their staff make time to engage with parents, barriers to prior poor school experiences are being mended. Schools that are offering free meals, access to basic needs such as washers and dryers, and even adult education classes have an increase in parent engagement and student attendance. Increased student attendance leads to better grades, improved resiliency, and higher graduation rates. This provides an opportunity for positive post high school outcomes.
You Make a Difference
Absenteeism is a real concern, but not an impossible issue to reverse with continued innovations and efforts. School districts that continue to find creative ways to bring and keep students into the classroom are seeing a positive impact. A smile and a personal interaction may be all it takes. As school professionals, you have the power to make a lasting difference in the lives of students. Every effort, no matter how small, can contribute to creating an environment where students feel seen, heard, and motivated to come to school.
The BlazerWorks Advisory Team can support school professionals with mentorship, professional development, and more, so you can give your best to students. Discover more with the button below.
The recommendations and strategies outlined in this blog are based on external research and opinions identified by BlazerWorks as potentially valuable in a school setting. However, these ideas are provided solely for informational purposes and should not be considered as definitive solutions or guarantees of success. BlazerWorks does not endorse or condone any particular approach and is not responsible for the legal or practical outcomes of implementing these suggestions.
Meet The Author
Jacqueline Denton
M.A. Ed.
Administrative and Special Education Clinical Advisor
Jacqueline Denton holds a master’s degree in educational psychology and educational leadership. She has 28 years of experience in public-school settings from classroom teacher to 20+ years as a district level administrator. In her role with BlazerWorks as an Administrative and Special Education Advisor, Jacqueline is dedicated to supporting special education teachers and administrators how federal law and state regulations protect students with disabilities in their least restrictive environment. She also holds a level of expertise in Medicaid School-Based Services and is excited to share with administrators the beauty of how Medicaid billing reimbursements can help offset the costs of federally mandatory staffing needs.
