School Leader’s Guide to Tackling Attendance Challenges

About the Authors

Jessica Sprick and Randy Sprick are recognized experts in educational strategies for improving student outcomes. Jessica Sprick has extensive experience as a teacher and educational consultant, focusing on attendance and behavioral interventions. Randy Sprick is an educational consultant and the founder of Safe & Civil Schools, providing training and resources to schools nationwide. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and practical strategies to address absenteeism effectively.

Main Idea

School Leader’s Guide to Tackling Attendance Challenges advocates for a shift in mindset and strategies to address absenteeism. The authors emphasize that increasing student attendance is within reach for school systems and that schools have significant power to effect positive change. The book promotes moving away from punitive and reactive approaches to proactive, multi-tiered strategies that address the root causes of absenteeism.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding the Stakes: Why We Should Address Chronic Absence
3. Building an Effective Team
4. Creating Systems to Collect Data and Set Priorities
5. Engaging and Supporting Staff in Attendance Efforts
6. Creating and Sustaining an Attendance Campaign
7. Teaching Students About the Importance of Regular Attendance
8. Enhancing Family and Community Involvement
9. Implementing Tailored Strategies to Address Schoolwide Priorities
10. Analyzing and Revising Attendance Policies
11. Designing and Implementing Effective Early-Stage Intervention Approaches

Introduction

Improving student attendance is essential for academic success, yet it has often been overlooked in school improvement efforts. The authors highlight the importance of addressing chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more school days for any reason. They argue that absenteeism can be effectively managed by adopting evidence-based strategies and creating a culture of attendance.

Understanding the Stakes: Why We Should Address Chronic Absence

Chronic absenteeism has far-reaching negative effects, including poorer academic performance, increased dropout rates, and higher involvement in risky behaviors. The authors stress the importance of recognizing the magnitude of the problem and taking proactive measures to ensure students are present and engaged in school.

"For students to be successful in school, they have to actually be in school." - Jessica Sprick & Randy Sprick

Research shows that chronic absenteeism is a significant predictor of dropping out of school. Studies have found that missing as few as two days a month can negatively impact academic performance and increase the likelihood of dropping out. Addressing absenteeism early can prevent these negative outcomes and set students on a path to success.

Building an Effective Team

Tackling absenteeism requires a collaborative effort. The authors suggest forming a team that includes school leaders, teachers, counselors, and other staff members. This team should analyze attendance data, disseminate information, and implement strategies to improve attendance.

• Include members from various roles within the school to ensure a comprehensive approach.
• Consider using existing teams, such as PBIS or MTSS teams, to address attendance issues.

An effective team will leverage the diverse perspectives and expertise of its members to develop and implement strategies tailored to the unique needs of the school community. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to improving attendance.