MISSING IN ACTION STUDENTS TAKE PLAYING HOOKY TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

 

MISSING IN ACTION STUDENTS TAKE PLAYING HOOKY TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

Attention students! Are you tired of waking up early and dragging yourself to school every day? Well, I have some good news for you - showing up is only half the battle! Yes, you read that right. You can show up to school and still not be present. Confused? Let me explain.

According to recent studies, chronic absenteeism among K-12 students in California has reached an all-time high of 30%. That's right, 30% of you are missing out on the fun and excitement of school. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to miss out on algebra and history class? But before you start celebrating, let's take a look at the consequences of chronic absenteeism.

Firstly, chronic absenteeism can lead to academic setbacks. So if you're planning on becoming a doctor or a lawyer, you might want to reconsider skipping class. Secondly, lower revenue for schools means less money for extracurricular activities, like sports and music programs. And let's face it, who doesn't love a good game of dodgeball or jamming out in the school band? Lastly, half-empty classrooms mean teachers have to work harder to engage students who are present. So if you're not there, you're making their job even harder. Don't be that student.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I have a valid reason for being absent!" Sure, some reasons are valid. Maybe you're sick or have a family emergency. But let's be honest, most of the time it's because you just don't feel like going. And that's okay, we've all been there. But what if I told you there was a way to make school more fun?

Introducing the "Attendance Incentive Program"! That's right, we're bribing you to come to school. Think of it as a loyalty program for education. For every day you show up to school, you get a stamp on your "attendance card". Once you fill up your card, you get a prize! And no, it's not just a gold star sticker. We're talking real prizes here, like a free pizza party or a day off school. Now that's something worth showing up for.

But wait, there's more! We're also introducing a new class called "Meme Studies". That's right, we're bringing humor into the classroom. You'll learn how to make your own memes and even get graded on them. And if you're really good, we might even feature your meme on the school website. Who knows, maybe one day you'll become a famous meme maker and never have to go to school again.

In conclusion, showing up may be half the battle, but it's also the most important part. Don't miss out on all the fun and excitement of school. With our Attendance Incentive Program and new Meme Studies class, you'll never want to skip class again. So grab your backpack and head to school with a smile on your face. Who knows, maybe today will be the day you make a meme that goes viral.

Soaring chronic absenteeism in California schools is at ‘pivotal moment’ https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2023/09/soaring-chronic-absenteeism-in-california-schools-is-at-pivotal-moment/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Chronic absenteeism in schools is a serious issue that affects millions of students across the United States and the world. It is defined as missing 10 percent or more of school days for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences, suspensions, and illness. Chronic absenteeism can have negative consequences for students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, health, and future prospects.

According to the U.S. Department of Education⁴, more than 7 million students, or 16 percent of the student population, were chronically absent in the 2015-16 school year. The rates were higher for certain groups of students, such as those with disabilities, those who are homeless, those who are English learners, and those who belong to racial or ethnic minorities. Chronic absenteeism was also more prevalent in certain grades, such as kindergarten and high school.

The causes of chronic absenteeism are complex and varied. They may include factors related to the student, such as health problems, mental health issues, learning difficulties, bullying, low motivation, or lack of engagement. They may also include factors related to the family, such as poverty, housing instability, substance abuse, domestic violence, or caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, factors related to the school and community, such as unsafe or unwelcoming school climate, poor transportation, lack of resources, or lack of communication, may contribute to chronic absenteeism.

The effects of chronic absenteeism are also multifaceted and long-lasting. Research has shown that chronic absenteeism is associated with lower academic performance, lower test scores, lower graduation rates, and higher dropout rates⁴⁷. Chronic absenteeism can also affect students' social-emotional skills, such as self-regulation, self-efficacy, and resilience⁷. Furthermore, chronic absenteeism can increase the risk of engaging in unhealthy or risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, delinquency, violence, or teenage pregnancy⁸⁹. Chronic absenteeism can also have negative impacts on students' physical and mental health⁸⁹.

Therefore, it is imperative that schools and communities work together to prevent and reduce chronic absenteeism. Some of the strategies that have been suggested by experts and practitioners are[^10^] ¹¹¹²:

• - Create positive relationships: Schools should foster a culture of caring and respect among students, staff, families, and community partners. Schools should also communicate regularly and effectively with families and students about attendance expectations and supports.
• - Let data guide interventions: Schools should collect and analyze attendance data to identify patterns and trends among students and subgroups. Schools should also use data to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and adjust them as needed.
• - Build student engagement: Schools should provide engaging and relevant instruction that meets the diverse needs of students. Schools should also offer opportunities for student voice, choice, and leadership in their learning.
• - Provide extended learning: Schools should offer additional academic support and enrichment for students who need it. Schools should also provide access to after-school programs, summer learning programs, or other community-based services that can enhance students' learning and well-being.
• - Address barriers to attendance: Schools should identify and address the root causes of chronic absenteeism for individual students and families. Schools should also collaborate with community agencies and organizations that can provide resources and assistance for students and families facing challenges such as health issues, housing insecurity, transportation problems, or legal issues.
• - Recognize good attendance: Schools should celebrate and reward students who improve or maintain good attendance. Schools should also acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of families and staff who support student attendance.

Chronic absenteeism in schools is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive solution. By implementing these strategies, schools can create a positive and supportive environment that encourages students to attend school regularly and achieve their full potential.

Bing, 9/8/2023

• (1) CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM IN THE NATION'S SCHOOLS - U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/datastory/chronicabsenteeism.html.
• (2) Chronic Absenteeism | Effects of Being Chronically Absent - Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/chronic-absenteeism-what-you-need-to-know.
• (3) The Link Between School Attendance and Good Health. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/143/2/e20183648/37326/The-Link-Between-School-Attendance-and-Good-Health.
• (4) School Absenteeism in Children and Adolescents | AAFP. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/1215/p738.html.
• (5) A Two-Step Process for Reducing Chronic Absenteeism. https://www.edutopia.org/article/two-step-process-reducing-chronic-absenteeism.
• (6) 7 strategies to prevent chronic absenteeism in the return to school. https://www.k12dive.com/news/7-strategies-to-prevent-chronic-absenteeism-as-students-return-to-school/607421/.
• (7) 6 Ways to Decrease Chronic Student Absenteeism. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/ms-in-education/resource/six-ways-to-decrease-chronic-student-absenteeism.
• (8) Soaring chronic absenteeism in California schools is at ‘pivotal moment’. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2023/09/08/soaring-chronic-absenteeism-in-california-schools-is-at-pivotal-moment/.
• (9) California Schools Struggle to Deal With Soaring Chronic Absenteeism. https://www.kqed.org/news/11960324/california-schools-struggle-to-deal-with-soaring-chronic-absenteeism.
• (10) Gov. Youngkin unveils plan to fight chronic absenteeism and learning loss. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/gov-youngkin-unveils-plan-to-fight-chronic-absenteeism-and-learning-loss/ar-AA1gpDkC.
• (11) Soaring chronic absenteeism in California schools is at ‘pivotal moment .... https://www.ijpr.org/education/2023-09-08/soaring-chronic-absenteeism-in-california-schools-is-at-pivotal-moment.
• (12) Chronic absenteeism | American Federation of Teachers. https://www.aft.org/childrens-health-safety-and-well-being/childrens-access-care/chronic-absenteeism.