Absenteeism is labeled chronic once a student misses at least 10% of school days in a year. Whether absences are excused or not, it's at this point that the risks of falling behind academically, dropping out before graduation, and even poor physical health increase significantly.
What Are Schools Doing About It?
Prioritizing Accurate Data
Accurate attendance records can make illuminating data. Allotting time to analyze this data can reveal attendance patterns that offer clues as to the possible reasons behind students' absences and serve as a starting point for outreach.
Engaging Service Providers
Schools may be unable to provide everything students need to improve attendance. Consider partnering with community service providers that can offer food, clothing, and other essential resources to mitigate causes of absenteeism.
Assembling a Team
Districts that have seen the best results have used teams of administrators, teachers, attendance clerks, social workers, and more. A dedicated team that can regularly assemble for strategy planning and execution can help ensure a strong impact. While these are only a few of the factors contributing to chronic absenteeism, they are common concerns across schools and districts nationwide and issues that TinyEYE helps educators address daily.
What's Behind the Rise in Chronic Absenteeism?
Belonging at School
A positive school climate—one promoting safety and strong relationships—can improve attendance, and the inverse is also true.
Disengagement
Low school involvement, stemming from a lack of perceived purpose, interest, or motivation, is associated with absenteeism and long-term negative impacts.
Mental Health
Recent years have seen a 20% rise in anxiety disorders and a 37% rise in clinical depression diagnoses among children and adolescents.
Building Relationships
Research shows that trusting relationships with adults can improve motivation, self-efficacy, and achievement. Positive relationships can help prevent absenteeism and be leveraged for interventions.
Engaging Families
Collaborating with families on solutions is key for providing students with the support and accountability needed to improve their attendance. Clarifying misconceptions and building a plan together can be a powerful first step.
Focusing on School Climate
From school conditions to perceived safety, there are many climate-related factors that impact attendance rates. Implementing strategies to help students feel they belong is foundational to improving attendance. For more information, please follow this
link.
