Unique steps to reduce school absenteeism
School attendance numbers in the US have never been stellar, and the Pandemic made the situation far worse. To this day, absenteeism remains alarmingly high. In Rhode Island, however, unique and ambitious steps within schools and communities are being taken to get students back in class and give them a fighting chance for a happy future.
Common sense and practical measures have included the state's secretary of commerce asking businesses not to schedule high school students to work during school hours, and pediatricians asking families how often their kids miss school when they come in for a check-up.
At George J. West Elementary, prizes like extra recess or computer time are awarded to students with improved attendance. Gift cards and pizza parties also incentivize students to view school in a positive light and get them back in class.
Learn more in this article from Chalkbeat about the numerous logistical challenges to solving the school attendance problem and how Rhode Island districts are meeting the challenge.
https://apple.news/AZSv71SZ7S9O8bxcUp1eCTw
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Slipstream
Making sure kids get to school gets more and more difficult. These days it's not unusual for parents to travel long distance for work leaving early in the morning and returning late. Some parents have to work two or more jobs to make ends meet.
I applaud the efforts of all the school districts that put in the extra effort to encourage and support good attendance.