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Reduce absenteeism by reducing suspensions using restorative practice, research says

Chronic absenteeism is made up of suspensions/expulsions in addition to excused absences and unexcused absences. Restorative initiatives research has been showing promise to reduce suspensions thereby reducing absenteeism.

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Physical health and attendance are co-related. So, how sick is too sick to go to school?

From Attendance Works “Illness plays a significant role in early childhood absences. Help families understand when to send a child to school or keep her home and manage chronic conditions. When illness-related absences begin to add up, you can bring it to the attention of others, such as the school’s family outreach or health staff …

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Student mobility and transfers from school to school has an impact on chronic absenteeism

“While some foster students choose to miss school for a variety of social or emotional reasons, foster care advocates pinpoint their constant mobility as the significant cause behind absences. “With each move, six months of instructional time is lost,” said Margaret Olmos, director of FosterEd California, a project of the National Center for Youth Law, …

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Reframe chronic absenteeism as a mental health issue for students with anxiety returning to school after a long absence

“Mental health professionals and educators say what used to be considered run-of-the-mill truancy could actually be something else. Some cases of chronic absenteeism are now being called “school refusal,” which is triggered by anxiety, depression, family crises and other traumatic events. It can lead to weeks or even months of missed school days.” Read full …

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Caring Adults Build Connections with Kids

Caring adult connections to kids build a sense of belonging and social emotional learning through the increasingly stressful teen years so that no one falls through the cracks or becomes chronically absent. See article below. “More holistically, though, social and emotional learning shouldn’t be seen as an add-on in high school, or be equated with …

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When it comes to reducing chronic absenteeism, research points the way.

Simplifying the letter home to parents about absenteeism, using a larger font and using a supportive tone can improve communication with parents and improve attendance. Read full article on A Researcher’s Take on Reducing Chronic Absenteeism

Addressing chronic absenteeism resource below uses helpful strategies for Tier 1, 2, & 3.

Check out Tier 1 strategy on p. 20 on Restorative Discipline and Tier 2 strategies on p. 21 “Early Warning Systems” and on p. 23 “Mentors” Read full article