Attendance and Absenteeism
Attending school on time and every day is the foundation that increases a student’s learning potential and positive opportunities through life. It is also the law (Revised School Code Act 451 of 1976). If you have questions regarding truancy in your district, please contact us.
Upcoming Events
Time:
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Dates and Locations:
- 1/24/24 - ANNEX Auditorium
- 2/13/24 -ANNEX Rooms 1,2 & 3
- 4/3/24 - Boyd Arthur's Auditorium
- 5/14/24 - ANNEX Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Audience:
Homeless Liaisons, Administration, and Specialized Support
Rethink Your Approach: Addressing Student Absenteeism With Attendance Works
Join our professional development series on reducing chronic absenteeism and enhancing student engagement. In collaboration with Attendance Works, Wayne RESA's Special Populations department offers this series to help schools implement proven strategies. The approach involves mobilizing public agencies and community organizations to tackle root causes and align interventions with current needs. Attendees will learn about family engagement, school connectedness, and expanded access to health services. Join this four-part series to unlock effective solutions and make a positive impact on student attendance. Register using the QR code provided.
Systemically Addressing Attendance
The resources and interventions on this webpage are structured into tiers. The first tier encompasses universal strategies applicable to all students and families, while the second and third tiers provide increasingly targeted support for students with higher absenteeism levels. This approach is recognized by educators and public health officials familiar with other multi-tiered support systems like Response to Intervention and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support.
Foundational Support
Effective attendance strategies require a foundation of key conditions (Attendance Works website), including physical and emotional well-being, a sense of belonging, engaging academics, active student involvement, and emotional support. These conditions are built through relationship-building and are crucial for motivating students to attend school.
Tier 1: Universal Prevention
These strategies focus on preventing absenteeism among all students. Examples include setting attendance expectations and recognizing improvements.
Strategy List: Engaging with Families, Student-Teacher Relationships, Relevant-and Culturally Relevant-Instruction, Restorative Discipline Practices, Summer Learning and Afterschool Strategies, Positive Greetings at the Door, Rethinking Recess, Healthy School Buildings, School-based Health Services, Telehealth, Free Meals for All, School Busses, Safer Walk to School, Laundry at School
- (PDF) Attendance Playbook by Phyllis Jordan - May 2023
Tier 2: Targeted Assistance
These interventions aim to remove attendance barriers for students at higher risk of chronic absenteeism, like those nearing or already meeting the 10% absence threshold. They can be applied to individuals or groups with similar challenges, requiring more personalized attention from schools to emphasize the importance of attendance and develop barrier-reduction plans.
Strategy List: Early Warning Systems, Targeted Home Visits, Mentors and Tutors, Targeted Youth Engagement, Addressing Asthma, Mental Health Support and School Refusal, Students with Disabilities, Immigration Enforcement.
Tier 3: Intensive Intervention
These interventions offer extensive support to students at the highest risk of chronic absenteeism. They often involve customized case management and may include cooperation with health, housing, and social services agencies. This level of support is beneficial for students missing 20% or more of the school year.
Strategy List: Interagency Case Management, Housing Insecurity, Truancy.
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism
Attendance Taskforce
The Attendance Taskforce at Wayne RESA will be comprised of an Implementation Team and Champions of Change. These two groups will develop strategies to encourage student attendance and engagement, raise awareness of the benefits of education, and mobilize resources to support these efforts.