Embracing Whole-Child Support: A Compassionate Approach to Addressing Absenteeism
- dadiazarn
- Mar 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Thank you for your emails this past month. As many of you know, I am part of what is loosely thought of as the "Sandwich" generation. While my own children are grown, I find myself caring for my granddaughter a few days a week and caring for my aging parents full time. My dad became very ill in January and was hospitalized, came home, and was admitted to Hospice. He is now "graduating" from Hospice as his condition has greatly improved.
In light of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, schools nationwide are facing a significant rise in absenteeism among students. It's crucial for us to adopt a holistic approach that not only addresses academic needs but also prioritizes the well-being of the whole child. In this spirit, we can leverage the Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework, building on relationships and fostering positive outreach to families. Let's explore a framework that embodies compassion, empathy, and a commitment to supporting every student. I have immersed myself in attendance related webinars, articles, reviewed division plans, and interviewed educators, and parents these last few weeks. Overall, those schools who are having a greater impact in improving student attendance, are using their established multi-tiered system of support -MTSS to tackle this student problem of learning.
MTSS provides a structured approach to intervention and support, offering strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of students at different levels of risk. Here's a comprehensive framework schools can utilize, incorporating the core principles of MTSS with examples at each tier:
At the foundational level of MTSS, Tier 1 interventions aim to support all students within the general education setting. Here, schools can implement proactive strategies and initiatives to promote attendance and engagement among all students.
At the heart of Tier 1 is the belief that every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and connected within the school community. Tier 1 interventions focus on creating a nurturing environment where students thrive.
Building Relationships: Investing time and effort in building strong, trusting relationships with students, fostering a sense of belonging and security.
One school ensured that there were adults greeting every student entering the building at every entrance and then again upon entering their classroom with a teacher welcoming every student into their classroom.
Promoting Social-Emotional Learning: Integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives into the curriculum to help students develop essential skills for managing emotions, building resilience, and cultivating healthy relationships.
SEL was a shared characteristic of schools demonstrating improved attendance is engaging in a daily 10-15 minute SEL lesson that supported a positive learning environment.
Family Engagement: Actively involving families in school life through open communication, meaningful partnerships, and opportunities for involvement in decision-making processes.
Attendance Awareness Campaigns: Launching school-wide campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of attendance, highlighting its impact on academic success and future opportunities.
Positive School Climate: Cultivating a positive and inclusive school environment where students feel connected, valued, and motivated to attend regularly.
One school shared that during recess one grade level began offering a group activity (kick ball, shooting hoops) during recess (each teacher took one day a week to lead this activity.)
Effective Communication: Establishing clear lines of communication between school staff, students, and families to address concerns promptly and provide necessary support.
Parents shared that they loved receiving text messages from teachers or administrators -"High Fiving" them for their child's consecutive attendance efforts!
For students who require additional support beyond the universal level, Tier 2 interventions offer targeted assistance to address specific attendance-related challenges.
Personalized Support Plans: Collaborating with students, families, and support staff to develop individualized support plans that address attendance challenges while considering the student's holistic well-being.
Attendance Lunch-Bunch: Pairing students with a mentor and a peer support group to provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging-include peers who can be positive role models.
Strengths-Based Approaches: Recognizing and building on students' strengths and interests to foster a sense of purpose and motivation, promoting positive attendance behaviors.
Mentoring and Check-in Systems: Assigning mentors or designated staff members to regularly check in with at-risk students, offering guidance, encouragement, and problem-solving assistance.
Attendance Incentives: Implementing incentive programs or rewards for students who demonstrate improved attendance and punctuality, reinforcing positive behaviors.
Individualized Attendance Plans: Collaborating with students and families to develop personalized attendance plans that identify barriers, set goals, and establish strategies for improvement.
At the highest level of support, Tier 3 interventions are designed for students with chronic or severe attendance issues requiring intensive intervention and support. Examples include:
Wraparound Services: Coordinating with community agencies and support services to provide comprehensive wraparound support, addressing underlying issues such as housing instability, mental health challenges, or family crises.
Home Visits and Family Empowerment: Conducting home visits to better understand the root causes of absenteeism and working collaboratively with families to develop solutions that support the student's well-being and attendance..
Student-Centered Problem-Solving: Engaging students as active participants in problem-solving processes, empowering them to take ownership of their attendance and academic success. This may include Attendance Contracts-developing formal attendance contracts or agreements outlining expectations, consequences, and support measures for students struggling with chronic absenteeism.
As we continue on this journey to address absenteeism with compassion and empathy, remember that every interaction, every intervention, and every decision we make has the power to positively impact the lives of our students. By embracing a whole-child approach, building strong relationships, and fostering positive outreach to families, we can create a school community where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By implementing a comprehensive framework encompassing universal, targeted, and intensive interventions, schools can effectively address the challenges of absenteeism. Schools have the ability to nurture resilience, cultivate empathy, and champion the well-being of every child, ensuring that no student is left behind.
Great Resources:
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Schools: Connecticut's Learner Engagement and Attendance Program https://youtu.be/Kil83e_nZLA?si=uCUeuQws9XTWOWUs
Attendance Matters https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/edlabs/regions/west/Publications/Details/259
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