A new school year has arrived. Teachers and parents must ensure that students understand the importance of attending class every day. While many days are spent on getting new supplies and clothes and learning new lessons, one important lesson stands out – attendance.
There are various strategies to promote student attendance in schools. This includes creating safe environments and implementing programs that involve families and communities to encourage regular attendance. Schools also provide services such as meeting basic needs for families and offering mental and physical support for students in need.
A New School Year
As the new school year begins, students and families must recognize the significance of regular attendance. Research shows that starting from kindergarten and first grade, missing school is linked to lower performance in reading, math, and overall academic knowledge.
- High absenteeism in the first month of school often leads to poor attendance for the rest of the year.
- Missing a total of 18 days throughout the school year affects a student’s academic performance (2 days a month).
- Students in low-income areas are more likely to be absent for reasons that are not in their control.
Improving Attendance
Improving attendance leads to better academic performance for students, which increases their chances of graduating. Good attendance means that students are more engaged and focused on lessons.
- Back-to-school letters provide essential information about school policies. Parents and students should be aware that attendance and achievement go hand in hand.
- Social media is a great way to inform parents and older students.
- Summer school and after-school programs can deliver the message about attendance.
Teachers play a crucial role in emphasizing the importance of school attendance. Highlighting attendance during a meet-the-teacher day can make it a primary focus.
Tips to Help
Concentrate on the goal. Help students understand the importance of attendance. Build rapport with students and their parents. Avoid using rewards to motivate students; instead, acknowledge their efforts.
- Design incentives that focus on the behavior. Incentives must address the barrier. Consider simple incentives that are not costly.
- To ensure success, it’s best to have short periods for incentives.
- The behavior should be rewarded, not the student.
- Recognize everyone that motivated the student to get to school.
Communication with families is important. Inform families about projects and homework. Parents also need to know about accomplishments and problems that arise.
