Boosting Attendance for a Brighter Future Series
To ensure the new school year is filled with learning and engagement, we’re highlighting ways families, caregivers, schools and administrators can combat a common problem: school attendance. To kick off this two-part series we’re sharing how families and caregivers can set their children up for success.
As we embark on a new school year, one key factor in your child's academic success is regular attendance. Showing up to school every day isn't just mandatory; it's about building a solid foundation for learning, developing good habits, and ensuring your student stays on track for years to come. Everyday counts, and your involvement as a parent or caregiver is essential in making sure your students are ready to learn and succeed.
Families and caregivers are the first and most consistent influence in a student's life. From creating a morning routine to encouraging a positive attitude toward school, the role you play is crucial in setting the stage for success. When students know that school is a priority at home, they’re more likely to make it a priority themselves. By staying engaged and supportive, you can help your student not only meet attendance goals but also thrive academically and socially. Keep reading to learn how regular attendance can help your student(s) thrive.
The Importance of Regular Attendance:
- Academic Continuity: Regular attendance helps students keep up with lessons, assignments, and projects. Missing school means missing critical instruction, discussions, and peer interactions, which can impede understanding and performance on current and future projects.
- Skill Development: Daily classroom experiences contribute to the development of essential academic and social skills. Frequent absences can limit opportunities for students to practice these skills and receive feedback.
- Engagement and Motivation: Consistent attendance fosters a sense of routine and responsibility, which can enhance a student’s motivation and engagement in their studies. Being present regularly helps students stay connected with their peers and teachers, which can increase their investment in learning.
- Long-Term Impact: Chronic absenteeism can lead to long-term academic struggles, including lower grades, reduced likelihood of graduation, and fewer opportunities for advanced education or career advancement.
(image description: a series of apples acting like a stoplight. A red apple represents the chronic absence category which is 18 or more days. A yellow apple represents the warning signs category with 10-17 days. A green apple represents the category of satisfactory with 9 or fewer absences.)
How to Support Your Student(s):
Families and caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring that students attend school regularly and are prepared for academic success. Here’s how you can help set them up for success:
- Establish Routines: Set up consistent daily routines that include regular bedtimes and morning schedules to ensure students are well-rested and prepared for school each day. Consistency helps reduce stress associated with rushing and ensures that your student is prepared for the day ahead.
- Monitor Attendance: Keep track of your children’s attendance and address any patterns of absenteeism promptly.
- Create a Supportive Environment: A supportive home environment that encourages and values education can motivate students to attend school regularly. This includes having a designated space for studying, helping with homework, and fostering a positive attitude toward education. Talk to your student(s) about why attending school every day is important for their learning, friendships, and future opportunities. Help them understand that each day builds on the previous one, and missing school can make it harder to catch up.
- Communicate with Schools: Open lines of communication with teachers and school staff helps you stay informed about your child’s academic progress and any concerns regarding attendance or participation.
- Plan Ahead & Address Barriers: It’s important to identify and address barriers to attendance, such as health issues, transportation problems, or other challenges. Life happens, and sometimes absences are unavoidable. When your student must miss school due to illness or family emergencies, communicate with the school as soon as possible and make plans to help them catch up on missed work. Schools often offer resources and support that can help overcome these obstacles.
- Encourage Engagement: You can also engage with the school community through parent-teacher associations or school events which can demonstrate to your student(s) the importance of education and reinforce the value of regular attendance.
As the new school year begins, remember that your involvement is key to your student's success. Regular attendance is more than just a requirement—it's a critical foundation for academic achievement and lifelong learning. By establishing consistent routines, communicating the importance of attendance, and staying engaged with your child's education, you set the stage for them to thrive. Creating a supportive home environment and addressing any attendance barriers ensures your student is equipped to face the school year's challenges. Every day that your child is present in the classroom is an opportunity for growth, learning, and building relationships that will benefit them both academically and personally.
Your dedication to fostering a positive attitude toward school and being actively involved in your child’s education will not only help them meet their attendance goals but will also contribute to their overall success. Together, we can make this school year a year of growth, achievement, and regular attendance!
Make sure to stay tuned for part two of this series where we’ll share strategies and resources for schools/districts and administrators to achieve better attendance!
Neeley Keys serves as a Mental Health Consultant on the SOS Team at the ESC of Central Ohio. Neeley has 25 years in the Mental Health arena and has spent nearly 20 years managing school-based mental health programming. At the ESC, she oversees 17 Attendance Success Mentors, assists Community Schools with Attendance, consults with EPSEA Liaisons on high-risk cases, provides Social Work Clinical Supervision, and oversees the Prime for Life programming. Neeley’s expertise is in best practices for working with kids of trauma, relationship-building skills, Restorative Practices, and Self-Care. She has a passion for removing barriers, so all kids have a chance to be successful. Neeley earned her BS in Criminal Justice from Indiana University and her MS in Social Work from Indiana University.