Category: Uncategorized

Unveiling the Shift: Parents Redefine School Attendance Post-COVID! Oct. 16/23

There’s an important and  fascinating shift in parental perceptions on school attendance post-COVID. This podcast conversation touches on crucial questions about the evolving educational landscape and its impact on our children’s future based on the article Parents in England no longer see daily school attendance as vital, report finds:Research finds breakdown in parents’ social contract …

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Beyond Compliance: Building Connections to Reimagine School Attendance Oct. 10/23

The one student in grade7 that…had no connection, behaviour problem,… moved around from school to school and he said that he had no connection to anyone at this school …And you see that person walking around the hall today and the amount of growth that person has shown is tremendous.” That’s how one participant in …

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From Chaos to Connection: Investing in adolescents through restorative practices Oct.3/23

Considering a potential investment? How about investing in high school adolescents’ growth and well-being? In this podcast episode, we’re unraveling high school dynamics and the powerful impact of social and emotional learning. Can you believe the title of the research paper that sparked this conversation? “Investing in Adolescent High School Climate and Organizational Context Shapes …

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Vanishing Acts; Unravelling the mystery of student attendance Sept. 19/23

Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where we unravel the pressing concerns within the realm of education. In today’s installment, we shine a spotlight on a topic that’s sending shockwaves across the continent: the mysterious disappearance of students from classrooms. This isn’t just an American phenomenon; our neighbors to the north, Canada, are grappling …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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.

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.