Boosting School Attendance Through Strong School-Home Connections
In the realm of education, the key to improving student attendance isn’t just about enforcing policies and procedures; it’s about fostering connections. At Alvord Unified School District, where a diverse community of hardworking families resides, including many newcomer families, the focus has shifted towards meaningful engagement to drive improved student attendance rates. Despite facing challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the district is making significant strides by prioritizing the well-being of its students and their families.
Operationalizing strategic goals around attendance goes beyond merely setting targets; it involves creating systems that promote meaningful engagement. By emphasizing the development of strong school-home connections, Alvord Unified is not only enhancing attendance rates but also leading to improved student outcomes across the board. This approach exemplifies how aligning daily operations with broader strategic visions can cultivate a school environment where every student is empowered to succeed.
Before the pandemic, Alvord Unified maintained a commendable 95 percent attendance rate, with chronic absenteeism levels averaging between 12 percent and 14 percent, in line with national averages. However, the onset of COVID-19 saw a surge in chronic absenteeism, with rates skyrocketing to 25 to 30 percent, reflecting the challenges faced by districts nationwide.
The pandemic presented an opportunity to revamp attendance management strategies. Amidst the chaos of COVID-19, school sites were overwhelmed with responsibilities like COVID case tracking and exposure management. It was during discussions on streamlining attendance letter mailings that the prospect of automation emerged. By automating these processes, staff could redirect their focus towards connecting with students and families, rather than drowning in administrative tasks.
After thorough research and consultations with industry peers, Alvord Unified decided to implement SchoolStatus as its attendance management system. This move wasn’t solely about tracking numbers; it aimed to revolutionize the district’s approach to attendance management entirely. SchoolStatus seamlessly automates attendance tracking, generates real-time reports for swift identification of trends and at-risk students, and manages compliance requirements, ensuring timely notifications in accordance with California’s Education Code.
Moreover, SchoolStatus enables Alvord Unified to prioritize outreach efforts effectively. By providing actionable data, staff can concentrate their efforts on students and families requiring additional support, leading to personalized interventions rather than generic communications. This targeted approach ensures that meaningful connections are forged, enhancing the impact of support initiatives.
At the core of Alvord Unified’s attendance strategy lies personal connections. Staff members now have the bandwidth to engage in personal calls with families, delving into their challenges and offering viable solutions. Whether it’s providing information on public transportation options, distributing bus passes, or assisting with essential needs like gas cards, the district is committed to removing barriers hindering a student’s access to education.
Efficiency gained through a comprehensive attendance management solution has enabled Alvord Unified to shift its focus from paperwork to relationships. Staff members now devote their time to crucial conversations with families, understanding their unique circumstances and collaboratively devising solutions. Community Connection Days have been instituted, where the Educational Services team ventures out into the community, not as enforcers, but as compassionate educators seeking to support families in need.
These initiatives have yielded positive results, with attendance rates on the rise. In the 2021-2022 school year, Alvord Unified achieved a 91.5 percent attendance rate as per the P2 report, which determines funding based on average daily attendance. Subsequently, the following year witnessed a surge to 93.15 percent, marking an improvement of over 1.5 percentage points. With a student population of approximately 16,000, this increase translates to more students attending school regularly and engaging in their educational journey.
Continuing to operationalize strategic goals, Alvord Unified has set ambitious targets for the future. The district is striving for a 95 percent attendance rate this year, backed by comprehensive measures and initiatives:
– Securing a $9.5 million Community Schools Grant to hire six community coordinators for bolstering family connections.
– Implementing a district-wide Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to cater to the diverse needs of all students.
– Recruiting nine social work interns and two full-time social workers to provide additional support.
– Investing in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at elementary and secondary levels.
– Expanding Saturday School programs to offer additional learning opportunities and recover attendance days.
Creating a sense of belonging lies at the heart of Alvord Unified’s attendance efforts. Beyond the numbers, the district aims to cultivate an environment where every student feels valued and included. By nurturing a community where students are eager to be a part of, educators at Alvord Unified are fostering a culture of care and support that resonates with students and families alike.
To districts seeking to enhance attendance rates, Alvord Unified’s Assistant Director of Student Services, Ian Fish, emphasizes the importance of community engagement. Understanding the unique narratives, challenges, and strengths of the community is key to driving impactful change. Efficiency in processes is crucial, but never at the expense of compassion. Genuine care for student success forms the foundation for transformative initiatives that prioritize relationships over bureaucracy, ultimately leading to tangible results.
In conclusion, Alvord Unified’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of strong school-home connections in boosting student attendance and fostering a thriving, connected community. By aligning daily practices with broader visions, the district is setting the stage for long-term student success and creating an environment where every student knows they matter every day.
