Chronic Absenteeism
What is Chronic Absenteeism?
18 days - 10% or more missed days in the school year (this includes unexcused & excused days)
I have a fever and am coughing, do I stay home or go to school?
Stay home, call doctor to get seen ASAP!
Anxious, upset stomach, headache
Go to school, speak with counselor/support person
What is the first 2 steps in overcoming the barriers?
Identify the problem & build a team
Problem: Not enough food in the house
Goal: By next Tuesday, I will enroll in SNAP, sign up for a nutrition workshop, and create a monthly budget.
Yes or No & Why?
Yes! - it meets all SMART goal parameters.
How many absences per month will result in Chronic Absenteeism?
2 or more!
I have asthma, and I have been coughing but do not have a fever.
Go to school!
Death in family
If they were close to the person allow to stay home, if not get them to school so that they have their routine. Routine at this time is important as it will help them cope with the loss.
What are the final 3 steps in overcoming barriers
Set Goals, Take Action & Evaluate Progress.
Problem: My child is always home sick from school
Goal: I will make them chicken soup every time they are sick so they can feel better.
Yes or No & Why?
No it is not - attainable, relevant or timed.
It is impossible to make chicken soup every time your child is sick. it does not solve the problem of missing school so it is not relevant & it has not beginning or end.
What are the ABC's of dropping out?
Absences, Behavior, Course Failure
I have a headache & am very tired
Go to school!
Threatens self harm - very upset
stay home, get crisis involved, or go to hospital/call 9-1-1 if needed.
Who are some team members to help overcome the barriers?
Family, friends, school staff - counselor, teacher, nurse, principal, secretary, assistant principal, TA, & SRO.
Problem: does not have reliable transportation.
Goal: Find rides from my friends who are willing to help me out.
Yes or no & why?
No, not specific & not attainable & not timed. - does not say who, & what if no friends are available to drive.
But it is measurable & relevant.
What are some struggles in 2nd grade from chronic absenteeism?
poor academic performance, behind in reading, poor academic testing
Stomachache
Go to school!
Afraid of being bullied
Go to school, reinforce staff members are available to go to for support and to report any bullying to.
Evaluate Goal means what?
Change what is not working and set a new goal.
Problem: Students report card states that they "need improvement" in English.
Goal: Tomorrow, I will call my students teacher to ask what 3 things my student can improve upon. I will also schedule a meeting 2 weeks from tomorrow to make sure there is progress.
Yes or No & Why?
Yes!
Based on the ABC example when did the student first switch schools?
3rd Grade - going into 4th grade
Cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat,
Go to school! - however if a fever is involved stay home, call doctor and be seen immediately.
Other family members are sick
Go to school! If student becomes sick at school the nurse will call parent/guardian to pick student up from school.
What does SMART stand for?
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timed
Problem: Student has anxiety and is refusing to go to school
Goal : Get them a therapist
Yes or No & Why?
No! - it is not specific, or timed.