Decrease Absenteeism in 3 Easy Steps

Really?

We know, that YOU know, that absenteeism is not that simple. Full disclosure: the title was just a hook to get your attention. Stick with us though, there is some good stuff below. If anyone really believes they can increase student attendance at school in 3 Easy Steps, we have a bridge to sell them in Brooklyn 😆. Don’t buy anything from anyone claiming they have a simple solution to a complex problem. Absenteeism is a BIG problem, but there are real solutions.

“The percentage of children and adolescents aged 5–17 years who had chronic school absenteeism during the past 12 months was higher in 2022 (5.8%) than in 2019 (3.3%). From 2019 to 2022, the percentage of children who had chronic school absenteeism increased for each age group”
— Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2/29/24

QuickStats: Percentage of Children and Adolescents Aged 5–17 Years Who Had Chronic School Absenteeism Due to Illness, Injury, or Disability During the Past 12 Months, by Age Group and Year — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2019 and 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:189. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7308a6.

Where to Admire the Problem and Learn Some Good Ideas

There is no shortage of articles and opinions about student absenteeism. Lots of solutions have been proposed from many different ideological, developmental, pedagogical, and theoretical view points. Here are some good articles to get the attention of the folks at your school that need to take action on the problem of student attendance issues and absenteeism.

 

Evidence Based Solutions Proven to Increase Student Attendance in School

A true solution for multi-dimensional problems must include a multi-faceted approach using various research and evidence-based practices. Here are a few practices that have been shown to empirically impact chronic student absenteeism.

  • Using Data-Driven Decision Making:

    • Analyzing attendance data regularly can help identify trends, pinpoint areas needing improvement, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

    • Reference: Balfanz, R., & Byrnes, V. (2012). The Importance of Being in School: A Report on Absenteeism in the Nation’s Public Schools. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Center for Social Organization of Schools.

  • Implementing Family and Community Engagement Programs:

    • Involving families and community members in school activities and decision-making processes can enhance student engagement and commitment to attending school.

    • Reference: Epstein, J. L. (2018). School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools (3rd ed.). Boulder, CO: Westview Press.

  • Improve School Climate and Support with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS):

    • PBIS is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.

    • Reference: Horner, R. H., Sugai, G., & Anderson, C. M. (2010). Examining the Evidence Base for School-Wide Positive Behavior Support. Focus on Exceptional Children, 42(8), 1-14.

  • Implementing Truancy Prevention Programs:

    • Truancy prevention programs often involve early intervention, mentoring, counseling, and collaboration with community agencies to address underlying issues contributing to absenteeism.

    • Reference: Reimer, M. S. and Dimok, K. (2005). Best Practices and Model Truancy Programs. National Dropout Prevention Center/Network College of Health, Education, and Human Development Clemson University.

  • Utilizing Motivational Interviewing Techniques:

    • Motivational interviewing can help engage students and families in identifying reasons for poor attendance and collaboratively developing solutions.

    • Reference: Rollnick, S., Miller, W. R., & Butler, C. C. (2008). Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping Patients Change Behavior. New York: Guilford Press.

  • Providing Incentives and Recognition for Attendance:

    • Incentives such as rewards, recognition ceremonies, and attendance competitions can motivate students to attend school regularly.

    • Reference: Gottfried, M. A. (2010). Evaluating the Relationship Between Student Attendance and Achievement in Urban Elementary and Middle Schools: An Instrumental Variables Approach. American Educational Research Journal, 47(2), 434-465.

  • Developing Individualized Attendance Plans (IAPs):

    • Creating tailored plans for students who struggle with attendance can address specific barriers to attendance and provide necessary supports.

    • Reference: Kearney, C. A., & Graczyk, P. (2014). A Response to Intervention Model to Promote School Attendance and Decrease School Absenteeism. Child & Youth Care Forum, 43(1), 1-25.

 

Get Started

KOI Education offers multiple paths to learning how to implement PBIS/MTSS with fidelity.

 

Blog written in collaboration with ChatGPT February 2024 Version.

Blog, For Administrators, For Educators, For Parents, SchoolsKOI Educationabsenteeism, Attendance, School, Students, Elementary School, High School, evidence-based, Research-Based, PBIS/MTSS, School Climate, Family