Maybe it's time to change high school to improve student attendance

Key points:

In 2015, as principal of a small N-12 school in upstate New York, I learned that Generation Z was predicted to be the first generation of American students who would not see college as the automatic next step after college. the secondary This idea sparked a year-long project to redesign our high school model. However, when I presented my plan for more personalized and applied learning paths to my teachers, they refused to stray from the “tried and true.”

Fast forward to today, and we face a crisis far more urgent than we could have imagined. Not only are students questioning the value of college, they are also questioning the value of attending high school.

Students silently vote against current high school model

Recent data from YouthTruth paints a bleak picture: During the 2022-23 school year, more than a quarter of students were chronically absent in 41 states, and high schools reported an average chronic absence rate of 31 percent. This is not just a number: it is a silent referendum. Our students are voting with their feet and voting “no” to the current high school experience.

The consequences of student disengagement and chronic absenteeism are far-reaching:

• Lower academic performance and lower probability of graduating
• Reduced Future Earning Potential
• Increased risk of involvement in the criminal justice system

Even more worrying is what YouthTruth calls the “support gap”. While 48 percent of students in 2022-23 cited depression, stress or anxiety as barriers to learning (compared to 39 percent in spring 2020), only 41 percent reported having a adult at school with whom they could talk about these topics (compared to 46 percent). pre-pandemic percent).

This gap persists despite the significant attention paid to young people's mental health problems. It is a stark reminder that awareness alone is not enough: we need action.

These sweeping changes will transform our secondary schools.

When I couldn't get my colleagues on board with the reinvention of high school in 2015, it was because the change seemed too big and radical. Current data highlights that we can no longer afford to make incremental changes. These are the key areas we should focus our efforts on in the long term:

1. Student-Led Redesign: Establish task forces that give students real power to audit current school practices and propose changes.
2. Data-driven engagement: Implement systems to track not only attendance, but also participation and enthusiasm in classes, using this data to inform school policies and practices.
3. Family-school partnerships: Create dedicated teams to build and maintain strong, ongoing relationships between schools and families through two-way communication between school and home.
4. Flexible learning models: Redesign school schedules to allow for later start times, block schedules, or other flexible arrangements that better fit students' needs and learning styles.
5. Real-world integrated learning: Develop comprehensive programs that partner with local businesses and organizations to offer internships, apprenticeships, and project-based learning opportunities.
6. Restorative justice culture: Implement school-wide restorative practices to replace punitive disciplinary systems, fostering a more supportive and equitable school community.

As Jonah Schenker, superintendent of Ulster BOCES in New York, wisely points out: “We have a responsibility, because of the nature of BOCES and the flexibility that we have, to create a sort of incubator for some of the areas where we know education needs education. change so that we can show by example, point them to other systems that make those changes or create offers that generate that change.”

These small steps will boost engagement right away.

While systemic change is crucial, we cannot wait for the perfect conditions to begin improving student engagement. Here are five simple but impactful actions that schools can implement immediately to start making positive changes:

1. Start each day with a check-in: Start each school day with a short, structured check-in session. This could be during homeroom or first period. Use this time for students to share how they are feeling, what they are hoping for, or any concerns they have. This simple practice can significantly increase students' sense of belonging and connection to the school community.
2. Implement “Feedback Fridays”: Set aside time every Friday for students to provide feedback on their learning experiences that week. This could be done through a quick survey, a class discussion, or written reflections. Use this feedback to make real-time adjustments to teaching methods and school policies. This shows students that their voices matter and can lead to tangible changes.
3. Create a “passion project” hour: Dedicate one hour per week where students can work on self-directed projects related to their personal interests or career aspirations. This gives students autonomy over their learning and helps them see the relevance of school to their lives and future.
4. Establish a peer mentoring program: Bring older students together with younger ones for weekly tutoring sessions. This can help build community at all grade levels, provide leadership opportunities for older students, and provide younger students with additional support and guidance.
5. Invite local professionals to lunch and learn sessions.: Once a month, invite professionals from various fields to have lunch with students and share about their careers. This can be done virtually if necessary. These sessions can help students see the connection between their education and future career possibilities and can spark new interests.

These steps do not require a complete overhaul of the school system, but they can begin to shift the culture toward one of greater student engagement, relevance, and voice. They lay the foundation for more comprehensive changes and send a clear message to students that your school is committed to evolving to meet their needs. Importantly, schools should regularly share the progress and results of these initiatives with families, fostering a sense of partnership and shared commitment to student success.

Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Every step toward greater student engagement is a step in the right direction.

The evidence is written on the wall, or rather, on the empty seats in our classrooms. Our students tell us through their absences that the current system does not work. It is time for us to listen and act. By engaging students, families, and communities in reimagining the high school experience, we can create schools that students not only attend but actively choose to be a part of. The future of our education system – and the success of an entire generation – depends on our willingness to make this change.