TIER 1 Missing Less than 10% of School TIER 2 At Risk of Missing 10-19% of Days TIER 3 At Risk of Missing 20% or more Days A. Monitor Data Create a school team that regularly reviews attendance data for trends for all students and identify how many and which students fall into the different tiers of needed support Establish a school plan for reducing chronic absence based on an analysis of strengths and challenges around school climate and attendance practice Use qualitative and quantitative data to identify common barriers to attendance Review attendance every week for students who are chronically absent or at risk of chronic absence (due to chronic absence in the past or existence of a health challenge such as asthma). Look for patterns in attendance Look for qualitative data to assess the underlying cause for a student’s continued absences Evaluate whether students with persistent chronic absence need an appropriate tier 3 response Identify which and how many students have a history of missing 20% or more of school and or at risk due to other major challenges (involvement in child welfare, juvenile justice, homelessness etc.) Review attendance daily and ensure that Tier III students are in school each day. Follow up on each absence for each student identified for tier III intervention B. Engage students and parents Create a school climate that encourages students to come to school everyday Provide an engaging curriculum that draws students to school Keep school clean and clear of health hazards that contribute to asthma and respiratory disease Cultivates an atmosphere where students feel respected and safe Offer programs before and after school to engage students Provide enrichment activities for students, such as field trips, assemblies, and dances Provide information and attention that underscores concern for children Call or send letter to alert family to attendance concerns and explore what help may be needed. (If possible, use a nurse to make contact especially for student with a medical condition) Suggest a home visit and/or conference to address barriers to attendance Use the Student Attendance Success Plan to help develop family strategies to support improved attendance Provide parents with family-friendly, easy-to-understand information Assess student and family needs and intensify outreach Determine if the student and their family is or should be agency involved. If they are, work to set up a meeting to coordinate services Refer students and families to appropriate service agencies e.g. social services, human resources, counseling, housing, and health services Work with relevant agencies to develop a comprehensive educational plan that also address student and family needs
E. Remove barriers to attendance Invite parents and community members to help address the barriers that keep children from attending school. Strategies could include: A school breakfast program and/or food pantry to address hunger and nutrition needs A safe walk to school program to address community safety Health interventions such as flu shots, dental checkups and asthma management plans A clothing drive for winter coats or school uniform exchange Adoption of a school climate initiative at improving approaches to student discipline and creating a more welcoming environment Identify barriers to attendance, such as health, transportation or housing Involve public agencies and community partners and resources as needed to address barriers to attendance Involve the school nurse with on medical related absences Provide families with information on community resources that can help overcome barriers Connect families with school-based resources that can support good attendance Implement agreed upon family intervention plan. Monitor for progress Connect students with chronic physical and mental health issues to medical providers