Key points:
A surefire way to support student success? Consistent and positive family communication.
In elementary school, there are frequent extension activities. TO recent report found that this decreases somewhat throughout high school, and by the time students reach high school, many schools subscribe to the belief that the need for communication between school and home decreases. The prevailing notion is that high school students are learning to be independent, so the adults in their home should be less involved.
However, the data reveal a sobering reality: Chronic absenteeism rates are highest in high school, with approximately one in three students miss at least 10 percent of their school days. This alarming trend jeopardizes students' academic performance, graduation prospects, and life outcomes. Drop out of high school It is linked to worse health outcomes, significantly fewer opportunities in the labor market, and a higher likelihood of entering the criminal justice system.
Given the numbers, the idea that communication becomes less crucial as students age is counterintuitive. In fact, maintaining consistent and personalized communication channels is essential during adolescence. Adolescents face numerous challenges (academic pressures, social dynamics, identity exploration) that can contribute to disengagement and absenteeism. Hedy Chang, CEO of Attendance Works, connects high levels of chronic absenteeism to a broken connection between students and school.
An essential mechanism to repair that connection is family communication. Here are some ideas on how to rebuild the relationship between home and school appropriate for high school students.
Leverage multiple communication channels
While traditional methods like newsletters and parent-teacher conferences remain valuable, incorporating popular technologies like text messaging, social media, and mobile apps can improve engagement and reach students and families wherever they are. find.
A recent study on adolescent loneliness suggests that lightweight, low-cost care-focused interventions can pay dividends. Strategies such as sending families statistics on the impacts of absenteeism and collaboratively developing attendance plans have proven effective. These types of targeted communication efforts empower families as partners to prioritize ongoing attendance.
Tailor messages to student interests
Instead of generic communications, personalize messages to align with students' interests, goals, and aspirations. This increases relevance and demonstrates that the school understands and values the unique perspectives of each student.
The data shows Many students have untapped talents in high-demand fields, but lack exposure. FacilitatingCareer-related learning“Through communication with industry and community partners is a great way to make the school immediately relevant to high school students. Coordinating job shadowing, internships, and career exploration activities exposes students to inspiring futures worth coming to school for every day. When they see a clear path from classroom to career, attendance improves.
Communication should never be a one-way street. Create opportunities for students and families to provide feedback, share concerns, and actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their educational experiences. Ensure communications are culturally responsive and inclusive, recognizing and celebrating diversity within the school community. A crucial way to do this is to ensure that all communications can be shared in the family's native language.
This helps foster a sense of belonging and strengthens the connection between school and home.
Think about multi-tiered support systems
To combat chronic absenteeism, a tiered approach that leverages strategic communication is ideal.
At Tier 1, implementing universal data tracking systems enables early identification of attendance patterns, allowing for proactive, personalized outreach before issues escalate. Positive messaging campaigns that tout the benefits of coming to school and promote engaging programs inspire students to attend.
For students with moderate and chronic absenteeism (Level 2), holding one-on-one meetings and offering tutoring facilitates open dialogue to understand the root causes of attendance problems. It is also crucial to communicate about available support resources, such as counseling.
For severe cases of chronic absenteeism (Level 3), coordinated two-way communication between schools and families builds trust. Schools can connect them with vital services, such as mental health counseling and transportation assistance, to overcome important barriers to attendance.
Students who participate through inclusive dialogue feel supported and empowered to overcome barriers to daily attendance. By prioritizing consistent, personalized, and career-oriented communication at all levels, high schools can combat alarming rates of chronic absenteeism.
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