Solving chronic absence: A whole-school approach

Solving chronic absence: A whole-school approach

Author: Ethical Schools June 17, 2022 Duration: 45:00
We speak with Hedy N. Chang of Attendance Works, who describes the long-term impact on student success of chronic absence in all grades.  Framing chronic absence as a truancy issue can increase alienation from school. Distinctions between excused and unexcused absences can unfairly penalize low-income students and students of color. Chronic absence rates may hit 40% this year. Ms. Chang discusses relationship-based strategies for mitigating absenteeism. Overview 00:00-00:37 Intros00:37-01:39 Definition of chronic absenteeism01:39-04:04 How absenteeism has been viewed historically04:04-06:16 Truancy06:16-08:57 Reporting and monitoring chronic absences08:57-14:37 Pandemic absenteeism rates14:37-19:22 Absenteeism and return to schools in 2021-2219:22-21:32 Attendance promotion strategies21:32-25:42 Excused and unexcused absences; biases in classification25:42-28:33 Impact of chronic absences on graduation28:33-31:26 Strategies for understanding and overcoming barriers to attendance31:26-36:41 Team approaches36:41-40:01 Virtual schools—challenges and possibilities40:01-42:18 Tiered approach42:18- Outro Transcript Click here to see the full transcription of this episode.  References attendanceworks.org

Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Ethical Schools
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