The Importance of Regular School Attendance

Intensive Support and Innovation Center - PACE Dr. Kevin Baker, PACE Administrator Enriqueta Cabrera, Parent Educator Coach Estevan Leyva, Parent Educator Coach Dr. Rosa Prado. Parent Educator Coach Violeta Ruiz, Parent Educator Coach Evelyn Larios, VISTA Felipe Nievez, VISTA

Objectives 1. Define Attendance 2. Discuss the Importance of School Attendance 3. Review LAUSD’s Attendance Goal and Data 4. Explain the Benefits of Regular School Attendance: Short Term and Long Term 5. Examine the Reasons “Why Students are Missing School” 6. Discuss Ways in Which Parents Can Support

Attendance defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary The act of being present at a place A record of how often a person goes to classes, meetings, etc. The number of people present at an event, meeting, etc.

Why is attendance important?

Importance of Regular School Attendance In order for a child to learn, he/she must be present and on time in class (critical 1st step). Learning is very systematic in most subject areas such as math and science. This means that today’s lesson depends on understanding yesterday’s instruction. Excessive absenteeism not only affects current school year performance but also future achievement. Poor attendance allows students the time to engage in negative activities. Absenteeism leads to increased school drop out rates. Funding is based on student attendance. Adapted From: The Importance of Being in School: A Report on Absenteeism in the Nation’s Public Schools

LAUSD’s Attendance Goal Importance of Regular School Attendance LAUSD’s Attendance Goal 96-100% in-seat attendance

Attendance Data for [school name] [insert school attendance data] From MyData

Reporting Absences [Insert school’s absences procedures]

Academic success begins with good attendance!

Benefits of Regular School Attendance Short Term: Students will do better in school; better grades in report card and higher scores in assessments Students will be less likely to need intervention classes Students will be more likely to have higher self esteem; more friends and participate in school activities Students will have a better chance to graduate on time Students will be more likely to complete college preparation courses From LAUSD Pupil Services webpage

Benefits of Regular School Attendance Long Term: A high school graduate will earn about $300,000 more than a high school dropout over a lifetime A college graduate will earn about $1,000,000 more than a high school dropout over a lifetime From LAUSD Pupil Services webpage

Why are students missing instruction?

Research shows three reasons students miss class Cannot go to school Will not go to school Do not go to school Adapted From: The Importance of Being in School: A Report on Absenteeism in the Nation’s Public Schools

Cannot go to School Illness; annual colds, flu, other childhood ailments or acute conditions and few chronic conditions Housing instability; homelessness, movement between foster care placements, and temporary dislocation associated with home foreclosure or inability to pay rent For adolescents, family obligations may keep them away from school

Will not go to School Avoid an unpleasant situation An assignment was not completed Avoid harassment, bullying, and unsafe situations on the way to and from school Avoid real and perceived embarrassment Lack of appropriate clothing

Do Not go to School Choose not to attend possibly due to: Students may not find school engaging They don’t see the role school can play There may not be enough mentoring or structure in their lives

3-Tiered Approach to Attendance TARGETED/ INTENSIVE <87% in-seat attendance 25+ days absent SELECTED (At-risk students) 87-91% in-seat attendance 15-24 days absent 92-95% in-seat attendance 10-14 days absent 80% of all students should be attending 96% of the time UNIVERSAL LEVEL Goal: 96-100% Strategy: Individual student & family intervention Strategy: Classroom, family & small group strategies Strategy: Incentive programs Adapted from Sprague & Walker, 2004

Schools have support systems for parents and students

What can parents do ?

Tips for Parents: Discuss with your children the importance of going to school every day and on time Get your child to school on time Develop a daily schedule and stick to it Encourage and help your child prepare for school each evening Don’t plan family vacations and non-emergency doctor/dentist appointments for times when your child should be in school From LAUSD Count Me In! Student Attendance Initiative

ELAC Recommendations Based on the information shared today, what recommendations can be made to improve our attendance rates?

Despite any school reform; teaching practices, intervention, standards and/or program changes won’t work if students are not in class.

Review of Objectives 1. Define Attendance 2. Discuss the Importance of Attendance 3. Review LAUSD’s Attendance Goal and Data 4. Explain the Benefits of Regular School Attendance: Short Term and Long Term 5. Examine the Reasons “Why Students are Missing School” 6. Discuss Ways in Which Parents Can Support

Questions or Concerns?

Please take a moment and complete the reflection form.

We appreciate your participation!!! Thank You We appreciate your participation!!!