Wintery weather and illness common to the season mean more students and families will face barriers to being in school. These conditions mean it is even more important to communicate with parents/caregivers about the importance of making every effort to keep students learning, despite the challenges! See below for updated resources for addressing health and weather-related issues.

The continuing high levels of chronic absence seen this fall in many districts and schools show that reengaging students, especially those most adversely affected by the pandemic, requires a long-term investment. It involves persistent attention to relationship building, meaningful learning experiences and offering supports to overcome barriers. 

Please join us in urging everyone to do what they can to create the conditions in school that encourage students and families to show up and engage, and to partner with families with students struggling to learn. Schools and districts can use their data to target funds – particularly federal relief dollars – where they are needed most. Read our blog post summarizing the U.S. Department of Education’s new guidance on using federal dollars to invest in attendance, engagement and learning supports. 

We continue to see examples that demonstrate what is possible, especially when we move away from punitive responses. The Louisiana Department of Education, for instance, experienced an attendance improvement last year, unlike most other states, by emphasizing a restorative approach, coordinating strategies at the state level and building staff capacity. Read our blog post.

As the year winds down, we thank everyone for maintaining a sense of hope and continuing to develop approaches to ensure students have access to learning. 

We wish you a holiday season that renews your spirit and strength. We look forward to working with you to support new successes, both large and small, in the New Year!

Warmly,

Hedy N. Chang

Founder and Executive Director