Description
Authors Jessica Sprick and Randy Sprick use the results of their work in schools throughout the United States to dispel the myth that educators have little control over student attendance. Success stories illustrate how elementary and secondary schools have reversed longstanding patterns of absenteeism.
Citing extensive research, Sprick and Sprick share details about the shocking prevalence of chronic absenteeism in U.S. schools and its effects on students, teachers, families, and the school community. They explain how to replace punitive approaches to absenteeism with effective methods that begin with universal supports and continue through Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions for individual students with more persistent problems. Specifically, they explain how to:
- Build an effective school team to address absenteeism.
- Create systems to collect accurate data and set priorities.
- Develop an attendance initiative that generates student enthusiasm as well as staff, parent, and community support.
- Design and implement strategies that are tailored to specific schoolwide concerns and demographics that reach all students.
Equipped with the information and tools presented in this book, educators can ensure wise use of staff and other resources—and create a culture of attendance that is the foundation of successful schools.
School Leader’s Guide to Tackling Attendance Challenges is exceptionally well organized and presented, making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to school district, college, and university library Teacher Education instructional reference collections. —Midwest Book Review
This book is a joint publication between Ancora Publishing and ASCD. Click here to view the Table of Contents and excerpts from the book.
Visit the ASCD site to view a recording of Tackling Attendance Challenges: School- and Classroom-Based Approaches, a webinar with author Jessica Sprick and Tricia Berg. Learn how to effectively monitor attendance data and create tiered systems of support to address absenteeism. Practical strategies for school leaders and teachers will help you shift from reactive and punitive models toward proactive and positive approaches to improve all students’ attendance.
