Author's posts
Oct 04
Kindergarten Chronicles: Navigating SK Absenteeism in a Post-Pandemic World. Sept.11/23
Get ready to explore the pressing issue of kindergarten absenteeism in our latest podcast episode. Shelley,Steve, and Stan are your guides on this educational journey, as they discuss the challenges and solutions surrounding kindergarten attendance post-COVID-19. Discover why some families are hesitating to send their kids to school and how a shift from a punitive …
Oct 04
Breaking the Absenteeism Puzzle Sept.5/23
Welcome to another episode of our podcast. I’m Stan, joined by Shelley and Steve, and today we’re delving into a topic that’s been making headlines recently: chronic absenteeism among students. In Season 8, Episode 5, we tackle the critical issue of too many kids missing school and explore how schools can bring them back into …
Aug 15
A Stay Interview: hold onto valuable staff – Aug. 15/23
“1. What do you look forward to when you come to work each day? 2. If you were to consider leaving this position, why would that be? 3. What factors may trigger a departure?” (Elizabeth Heubeck in EducationWeek) These are terrific questions to initiate meaningful conversations with staff in September and October. Intentionally investing time …
Aug 15
Belonging, Voice, Agency: Recent research on impact of Restorative Practices – Aug.14/23
Many schools and districts initially involved in restorative practices have let it slide. Here’s a discussion of research which underscores the value of a relational approach to education by fostering belonging and transforming schools. The 6 year study of 485 California middle schools shows increased student achievement, reduces suspensions and reduced disparities between groups. The …
May 26
What you can do when students face overwhelming problems in their lives? May 23/23
When educators discover some of the reasons behind student absenteeism, it can seem like the problems are insurmountable. One of the best things to do is recognize your own role in support student attendance since everyone at school plays a role.
May 26
How can I keep conversations about student attendance going year round? May 18/23
Talking about student attendance requires regular reminders to staff. How about using your current memos or newsletters to make it a monthly discussion in the staffroom? In this podcast we discuss some simple attendance tips that can be part of your conversations.
May 26
How can I include and engage parent voice in my school? May 2/23
Parent voice needs to be included through a variety of channels that are formal and less formal.
May 26
How can schools find time for staff to even reflect on which families aren’t connected to the school? April 25/23
There are a lot of people at school who have information about a student or family that’s not connected or engaged. It’s important to make connecting the dots of information a priority.
Apr 05
How can I use student attendance data? April 4/23
Listen now to the podcast now on Circle Forum Conversations about student attendance issues are filled with complexity and it all starts with attendance data. How do you get attendance to be part of the discussions in schools? How does attendance impact achievement? What are the changes we can measure? Who’s the point person for attendance …
Apr 05
How can I talk with parents about their child’s attendance? March 28/23
Listen now to the podcast now on Circle Forum Talking with parents can be challenging especially when the topic is their child’s absenteeism. Don’t make attendance your first or only contacts with parents! Get to know them and ask questions that are open and curious. Restorative questions don’t judge others and lead to conversations not conclusions. …