Consistent school attendance is crucial for student success and development. Both academic and social-emotional growth depend on regular attendance and involvement in school activities. Chronic absenteeism affects all student populations, especially students of color, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and those who frequently move. To effectively address chronic absenteeism and reduce excessive absences, the entire school community, along with students, their families, and community partners, must work together as a problem-solving body to implement actionable strategies and practical solutions that address barriers to attendance.

This guide provides educators with the tools and guidance they need to develop student-focused attendance improvement plans that consider the unique circumstances and needs of individual students and provide personalized support and interventions that address the underlying causes of their chronic absenteeism. It includes:

The six Cs of attendance planning | Empathetic conversation script | Root cause restorative questions | Tips on designing engaging lessons and activities | Tardy tips | Sample attendance improvement plans for students dealing with homelessness, bullying/harassment, transportation issues, student employment, chronic illness, and caregiving.

Pages: 6, Size: 8.5 x 11"

Order Now

Price: $12.95

This new quick-reference laminated guide by Sharon Bradley examines the widespread problem of chronic absenteeism in schools, from why students fail to show up to school, to how to prevent excessive absences, to how to find missing students and re-engage them so that they are able to get back on track and ultimately graduate and reach their full potential. 

Topics covered include:

Implications and impact of chronic absenteeism | Essential practices for building a positive school climate | Tiered intervention strategies for teachers, school counselors, nurses, and administrators | Absenteeism prevention strategies for families | Engaging the community to prevent chronic absenteeism | Student recovery and re-engagement strategies | Intensive school-based interventions: small restorative learning environments | Intensive district-level interventions: the attendance review board | Individualized family support plans

Pages: 6, Size: 8.5 x 11"

Order Now

Price: $12.95

“This guide should be a part of every school district in the country. As a former middle school principal of 13 years, students not coming to school was one of my biggest challenges. I commend Sharon Bradley for taking on this enormous task so that all stakeholders have the tools to begin to address this crucial student attendance problem in all of our schools.”  -Donella Reinl, M.Ed., Director of Strategic Solutions at School Connect