School is Optional: The Power of Community in Addressing Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is a pervasive challenge to our students’ academic success and one that cuts across all demographics. The reasons behind declining attendance are as diverse as the students we serve, from anxiety and mental health concerns, to transportation constraints, to financial struggles and family trauma. Because there’s no quick fix to such a complex issue. Addressing absenteeism and related learning loss requires a robust community strategy that leverages multiple stakeholders. During this session, we will discuss practical tools and strategies that will immediately identify and flag at-risk students, share tips on strengthening communication with caregivers, and guide you toward community resources that can help you provide wrap-around support to families who are struggling. Through the power of actionable data, you will gain the insights you need to stop absences from evolving into academic setbacks.