INNOVATIVE INTERVENTIONS

This section serves as a comprehensive repository of innovative ideas aimed at boosting student attendance through various strategic approaches. By leveraging technology, such as text messaging reminders for parents and students, schools can enhance communication and accountability. Additionally, considering a delayed school start time has gained traction as research highlights its positive impact on student well-being and attendance. Integrating self-care curricula for high school students empowers them with essential skills to manage stress and prioritize their mental health. Moreover, a strong focus on addressing the mental health needs of students fosters an environment where they feel supported and connected, ultimately leading to improved attendance rates. Each of these strategies represents a forward-thinking solution designed to create a more inclusive and engaging educational experience.

Reach students
and families where they are

Make connections with ease, efficiency, and oversight. Integrate with the tools you already use, translate into the languages your families prefer, all while keeping your personal phone number private.

Milwaukee Public Schools has developed a SAIG curriculum for Elementary and High School students. These curricula lessons are based on the circle format, revolve around restorative practices, and rely heavily on Skillstreaming  (McGinnis, Ellen, and Arnold Paul Goldstein. Skillstreaming in Early Childhood: New Strategies and Perspectives for Teaching Prosocial Skills. Champaign, IL. Research Press, 2003.). Each SAIG with a group of students should last nine weeks.

Milwaukee Public Schools has developed a SAIG curriculum for Elementary and High School students. The Elementary School lessons include:

  • mindfulness

  • classroom survival

  • emotional management

  • attendance as responsible behavior.

The High School lessons include:

  • general behavior

  • attendance

  • self-care

DELAYED START

Many American teenagers try to put in a full day of school, homework, after-school activities, sports and college prep on too little sleep. As evidence grows that chronic sleep deprivation puts teens at risk for physical and mental health problems, there is increasing pressure on school districts around the country to consider a later start time.

When Mental Health Challenges Contribute to Truancy FAQs

This document is intended to provide answers to frequently asked questions regarding situations involving mental health challenges and truancy.

ATTENDANCE CAMPAIGN MATERIALS

Chronic absence has become a national crisis. Data show chronic absence nearly doubled by the end of the 2021-22 school year. It now affects nearly one out of three students. Chronic absence is typically defined as missing 10% of the school year – or just two days each month – for any reason.

To tackle this challenge, all hands are needed. The Count Us In! toolkit offers messaging and positive engagement strategies, key concepts and tools to help educators raise awareness about why showing up to school matters and also to build the universal tier one strategies that motivate students to come to school and, then layering on support when that’s needed.

The button below links to a document with a variety of resources to launch an attendance campaign. Most of the resources are from Attendance Works, however, there are some materials from individual school districts across the country.