One of the most effective ways to combat chronic absenteeism is by establishing what Attendance Works calls a culture of attendance. In schools with this type of climate, the atmosphere is so welcoming that students do not want to miss a single day. Usually, children feel this way when they feel cared for, and when they feel their presence makes a difference in the lives of both adults and peers. Similarly, families are more likely to send students to school when they feel seen and valued, just like their children.
Here are a few ways to cultivate a climate that makes students eager to come to school every day.
- Begin communication before the school year starts. Use robocalls, newsletters, text messages, and back-to-school events to communicate the importance of attendance, and to welcome families to school. In elementary school, targeting parents often suffices. In middle and high school, it is important to communicate directly with students as well as their families.
- Consider home visits. Particularly in the lower grades, consider sending teachers or administrators to visit students and families in their homes. Welcome them to school, and let them know that faculty and staff are thrilled to have them at school this year. Not only does this establish trust, it also helps students and their families feel valued. Plus, it provides an opportunity for teachers to get to know their students, and for families to ask questions about the upcoming school year.
- Ensure every student has a connection with at least one adult in the building. Research shows that students who have positive relationships with adults in their school tend to have higher levels of attendance. Building child-adult relationships in educational settings have other benefits too, including better academic outcomes. Encourage teachers and administrators to get to know students’ names, interests, and families and to foster meaningful connections. In upper grades, this could be done through advisory periods.
- Treat absences with care and compassion. When students are absent, ensure that adults and administrators comment when they return. Adults may check on how students are feeling, ask them if they need anything, or simply say that they missed the student and are glad to see them back. In one classroom in California, a kindergarten teacher moves photos of absent students into a hand-drawn heart and asks their peers (who are present) to wish them well. When the student returns, the class collectively welcomes them back. Practices like these let students know that they are valued members of the community.
- Teach culturally relevant curriculum. Students are more likely to come to school if they feel seen. Teaching curriculum that celebrates their cultures and their peers’ cultures helps them feel a part of the community. It also develops a school culture of curiosity and empathy that welcomes learners of all backgrounds.
- Differentiate. Students who struggle with learning are more likely to get frustrated and less likely to enjoy school. Similarly, students who don’t feel challenged may feel bored, and might not want to come to school. By differentiating for all learners, and helping students learn at the pace that is right for them, educators make all students feel engaged, cared for, and welcomed.
- Avoid punitive approaches. Research shows that punishing students and families for a lack of attendance does little to solve the problem. When students are absent, start by asking families what they need, rather than scolding them. Often, absences are the result of families struggling to meet their children’s basic needs, rather than a lack of investment in their children’s education.
