Innovative Solutions to Combat Chronic Absenteeism in Education: Insights from Lisa DeLapo

Innovative Solutions to Combat Chronic Absenteeism in Education: Insights from Lisa DeLapo

Author: Jeffrey Bradbury - TeacherCast Educational Network February 24, 2025 Duration: 23:30
In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury discusses chronic absenteeism and innovative teaching strategies with Lisa DeLapo, the Director of Information and Instructional Technology at Union School District in San Jose, California. They explore the district's approach to improving student engagement through instructional audio technology, the importance of community support, and the challenges of preparing students for high school. Lisa shares insights on the four Cs of education and emphasizes the need for schools to listen to their students' needs to foster success. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today!

Conversation Takeaways

  • Chronic absenteeism is a significant issue in education.
  • Union School District has a unique approach to funding and engagement.
  • Instructional audio technology enhances classroom communication.
  • Teachers can focus on small group instruction while maintaining class engagement.
  • Community support is crucial for educational initiatives.
  • The four Cs (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication) are essential in modern education.
  • Professional development is key to implementing innovative teaching strategies.
  • Listening to students' needs leads to better educational outcomes.
  • Transitioning to high school presents challenges for students.
  • Investing in technology can create equal opportunities for all students.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Education
  • 03:13 Innovative Teaching Strategies in Union School District
  • 06:05 The Role of Instructional Audio in Classrooms
  • 09:04 Engagement and Classroom Dynamics
  • 11:53 Community Perception and Support
  • 15:00 The Future of Educational Technology
  • 17:55 Preparing Students for High School Transition
  • 20:00 Advice for Innovative Educational Practices

About our Guest:

Lisa DeLapo is the Director of Information and Instructional Technology at Union School District in San Jose, CA, leading IT services to support future-ready classrooms. She oversees technology implementation, including platforms, mobile devices and cloud systems, managing personnel and ensuring alignment with instructional and administrative needs.

Links of Interest


Follow Our Podcast And Subscribe


Follow Our Host


Join Our PLN

Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on Apple Podcasts today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.

Let’s Work Together


Check Out More TeacherCast Programming


Need A Presenter?


For More Information: https://www.TeacherCast.net ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ [gravityform id="2" title="true"]

Hosted by Jeff Bradbury of the TeacherCast Educational Network, Digital Learning Today is a conversation for educators who think strategically about the long game. This podcast moves beyond quick tech fixes to examine the underlying frameworks and leadership philosophies required for meaningful, lasting improvement in schools. It’s designed for those in the driver’s seat of change-principals, district administrators, and instructional coaches-who understand that real transformation is about systems, not just software. Listeners will find practical discussions on implementing digital learning initiatives effectively, crafting and executing school improvement plans that stick, and the nuanced work of fostering a collaborative, innovative culture among staff and students. The dialogue naturally bridges educational theory with the realities of school business and management, offering a grounded perspective on steering institutions forward. By focusing on sustainable models and big-picture ideas, each episode provides a space to reflect on the core structures that define modern education, making this podcast a resource for anyone committed to thoughtful, systemic growth in their learning community.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Digital Learning Today
Podcast Episodes
Unlocking Student Engagement: Insights from Discovery Education [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:14
Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems shaping the future of education—Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and Educational Tec…
Empowering Student Voice by Building AI Ethics Frameworks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:38
Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems shaping education's future, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and cutting…
AI in the Classroom: Practical Strategies that Prompt Student Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:44
In this episode of Digital Learning Today, Jeffrey Bradbury and Stephanie Clinise explore the integration of artificial intelligence in education, specifically in high school environments. They discuss the transition cha…