How can our Action Team help our school reach its goal of higher attendance?
The first cross-site study of the National Network of Partnership Schools examined the effects of school-family-community partnerships on student attendance. Data from 20 participating schools indicate that elementary, middle, high, and special education schools all find the following practices “very helpful” for increasing student attendance: Calling home when students are absent, particularly personal phone calls (e.g., by teachers, counselors, secretaries, parent volunteers/attendance monitors, bilingual office aides, school nurses, and others). Giving every family the name and phone number of one person at school to call with questions about attendance, lateness, or other school policies, or other issues. Setting school-wide and classroom incentives for good attendance, with announcements of excellent attendance over the intercom, and information to families about awards to students for improved attendance. Making home visits to discuss attendance with families of chronically absen
