Our top 10 strategies
for Crushing Chronic Absenteeism

The overall goal is to shift the mindset within the district to make attendance a priority, with the understanding that when students attend school regularly, their academic success is more likely to improve.

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Solving miscommunication or lack of information regarding student attendance requires a proactive, transparent, and organized approach. Ensuring that families, students, and staff have access to clear, timely, and consistent information is key. Here are several strategies that can help:

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1. Implement Clear and Consistent Communication Systems

• Digital Communication Platforms: Utilize a school-wide communication platform (like a student information system, or an app) where attendance data is updated in real-time. Platforms like Schoology, Remind, or ClassDojo allow teachers and administrators to communicate with parents and guardians directly, alerting them to attendance issues as they happen.

• Automated Notifications: Set up automated notifications that alert parents when their child misses a class, whether through text message, email, or phone calls. Immediate notification gives families the opportunity to address issues quickly and prevents misunderstandings.

• Weekly or Monthly Attendance Reports: Send regular attendance reports to families, so they are always informed of their child’s attendance status. This helps avoid surprises and ensures parents are well-informed.

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2. Establish a Clear Attendance Policy

• Clearly Defined Expectations: Make sure that the school’s attendance policy is clear and available to both students and families. This could include how absences are counted, what is considered excused vs. unexcused, and the long-term consequences of chronic absenteeism.

• Handbooks and Guidelines: Distribute attendance guidelines or student handbooks at the beginning of each school year. Make sure parents and students are aware of these policies and ask for signatures to acknowledge that the information was received and understood.

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3. Foster Regular Parent-Teacher Communication

• Regular Check-ins: Establish a routine for teachers to reach out to parents, especially for students with attendance concerns. Regular phone calls or emails can keep families informed and ensure that any challenges can be discussed and addressed before they escalate.

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Schedule parent-teacher conferences where attendance can be discussed as part of the broader picture of a student’s performance. This is a good time to open up discussions on why a student may be missing school and what support systems are in place to address those issues.

• School-Home Communication: Encourage open lines of communication between school staff and parents, especially for parents who may not speak English or who have limited access to technology. Consider offering interpreters or alternative forms of communication to ensure all families are informed.

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4. Use Multiple Communication Channels

• Text Messages and Phone Calls: While emails are useful, they can often be overlooked. Sending a text message or making a phone call to a parent about an absence can be more immediate and effective, especially for urgent matters.

• Social Media: If your school has social media accounts, use them to post regular updates on attendance policies, incentives, and the importance of attending school. This way, families who follow the school can stay informed.

• Newsletters: Include attendance-related information in school newsletters, such as tips for parents on supporting attendance and updates on school-wide initiatives.

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5. Educate Families About the Importance of Attendance

• Workshops or Information Sessions: Organize informational sessions for parents where you can explain the importance of attendance and the connection between school attendance and academic success. These workshops could be in person or virtual, and can also address common misconceptions.

• Visual Aids: Use posters, brochures, or infographics to illustrate why attendance matters. Make the information easy to digest and display it in common areas such as school hallways, classrooms, or parent meeting spaces.

• Parent Surveys: Periodically survey parents to assess their understanding of the school’s attendance policy and any barriers they may face in ensuring regular attendance. This allows the school to address specific concerns and clarify any misunderstandings.

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6. Create a Student-Centered Approach to Absences

• Personalized Contact: When a student has frequent absences, make sure there is a clear system for reaching out directly to that student and their family. A personalized message, whether through a phone call or a meeting, shows that the school cares and is actively seeking to help.

• Mentors or Attendance Champions: Assign staff members to serve as mentors or attendance champions. These staff members can regularly check in with students who are at risk of chronic absenteeism and ensure they have the support they need to attend school regularly.

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7. Follow Up on Missed Communication

• Ensure Consistency: If a parent does not respond to an initial communication about an absence or attendance concern, make sure there are follow-up communications. This shows that the school is committed to ensuring the child’s regular attendance.

• Escalation Procedures: If initial communications do not result in improvement, have a clear escalation process in place. This might involve the school counselor, social worker, or principal reaching out to the family to discuss the issue and explore solutions.

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8. Streamline Attendance-Related Data and Processes

• Easy Access to Data: Make attendance data easily accessible for both parents and staff. Parents should be able to check their child’s attendance in real-time via a parent portal, which helps them stay informed and avoid misunderstandings.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Use data to track attendance trends at the school level. This helps identify which students are at risk and ensures that no child falls through the cracks. This can also help administrators communicate more effectively with parents about their child’s attendance status.

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9. Provide Support for Parents Who Have Difficulty Accessing Information

• Offer Assistance with Technology: Some parents may struggle with digital tools or technology. Providing support, such as assistance setting up online accounts or accessing communication platforms, can help ensure that no family is left behind.

• Language Support: Ensure that communication is available in multiple languages, especially in diverse communities. This can include translated materials or offering translators for phone calls or meetings.

• Flexible Communication Times: Recognize that some parents may work nontraditional hours or have difficulty being available during regular school hours. Offering flexibility in communication times—such as evening meetings or weekend calls—can help engage parents who might otherwise miss out.

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10. Be Transparent and Encourage Collaboration

• Shared Goals: Frame attendance efforts as a collaborative partnership between the school, students, and families. When families understand that everyone is working toward a common goal—helping the student succeed—communication becomes more open and cooperative.

• Celebrate Success: Highlight and celebrate improvements in attendance. When parents see that their efforts are appreciated and that attendance positively impacts student achievement, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

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By implementing these strategies, schools can reduce miscommunication and ensure that all parties—students, families, and staff—are informed and aligned in their efforts to improve attendance. Clear, consistent, and open communication is the foundation of a supportive school culture that values regular school attendance and academic success.