Did you know a student must miss only 10% of the school year to be considered chronically absent? That’s two days each month. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but those two days really add up.
The key to bright futures - discover why student attendance matters!
Students need to be in the classroom. It’s as simple as that. Students who aren’t at school regularly can’t reach educational milestones, such as reading on grade level by the end of 3rd-grade. It sets students up for failing grades despite a willingness to learn because they miss lessons and valuable discussions with teachers and classmates. Standardized test scores are lower than those of students who attend school regularly. Behavioral issues increase along with detentions and suspensions. Irregular student attendance is a predictor of dropout rates.
Student absenteeism goes beyond the classroom. When students aren’t at school, they miss out on opportunities for resources they might not have access to otherwise, such as regular meals, limited types of healthcare, counseling, and social situations to engage with peers. It also sets the stage for adult behaviors that aren’t conducive to success in the workforce.
Possible reasons students are missing class
The reasons for poor attendance are plentiful! Let’s start with the fact that there has been a significant increase in absences since schools reopened following the pandemic. Parents and students adjusted to staying home for the slightest signs of illness, now feeling resistant to getting back into the old routine for a variety of reasons. More frightening is the large number of students who are simply missing, never returning to former schools or enrolling elsewhere to continue their education in public, private, or homeschool settings.
What else stands in the way of students coming to school? Transportation is a big issue for many families. Parents may work hours that don’t coincide with school arrival and departure times, making it difficult for students to get to and from school. Even though most school districts provide bus services for students, getting kids to those bus stops and in the seats isn’t always easy.
The school calendar itself can pose issues for some families. Consider those students who must travel to visit parents in other cities or have cultural or religious reasons for missing days.
As students grow older, many secondary students take on jobs and other responsibilities to help their families. These obligations often take precedence over school attendance.
Chronic absenteeism is also part of the problem. Students who aren’t at school lose connections to teachers and other students. They don’t understand the procedures and expectations because they aren’t exposed enough for things to become routine. They feel detached from the rest of the class. The more they’re gone, the easier it is to be gone.
Strategies to improve student attendance
Let’s face it. With so many reasons for chronic absenteeism, finding solutions that work might seem like an impossible mountain to climb. And what fixes the problem for one student may not affect another. It’s important to keep trying, though, and to come up with absenteeism strategies.
Here are some strategies:
- Every teacher knows that building relationships with students is essential. Some students want to be at school just to see YOU!
- Make attendance expectations clear to students and families. Along with that, reiterate the importance of being at school with examples that are relevant to them.
- Communicate plans to ensure the health and safety of all students and alleviate any concerns.
- Intervene quickly when attendance patterns become a problem, and stay consistent.
- Tardiness and absenteeism go hand in hand. Make sure students and families know the importance of both.
- Personalize learning so that students feel supported and engaged in the process.
- Discuss barriers with families and help them with plans that will work, such as transportation issues, and hold them accountable.
- Involve students in school activities. Sports or music aren’t for everyone, so get creative. Find other ways to bring students in, such as designing bulletin boards, helping in the office, reading to younger students, or even working on a team that tracks and rewards attendance.
- Maintain a positive relationship with students and families to keep communication open. They’ll be more likely to talk about their concerns if there is trust. They could feel academically or socially embarrassed. Maybe a student wants to stay home because of a bullying concern or family issues. Keep the conversation going!
When those students who are chronically absent show up for school, make them feel welcome and greet them with a smile. Of course, you’ll follow that up with serious chats about the importance of being at school. Just make sure they know that you’re climbing this mountain alongside them, supporting them every step of the way.
Are you looking for resources that personalize learning while engaging and motivating students for use at school and during those times when students must be absent? Take out a trial!
