The strategy outlined in the JSON focuses on preventing truancy by implementing comprehensive measures. First, a robust system is established for monitoring and tracking student attendance. This includes using attendance software, setting alerts for specific absence thresholds, and training staff on new policies. For example, schools might use technology to notify when a student reaches three unexcused absences, enabling timely interventions.
Engaging with students and parents forms the second pillar of the strategy. Scheduled meetings, newsletters, and workshops are key actions designed to foster a collaborative approach toward attendance. For instance, creating a contract with students and parents can help reinforce commitment to regular attendance.
Lastly, support and intervention programs are crucial. Schools implement mentorship, offer tutoring, and address barriers like transportation to encourage attendance. A reward system can incentivize students to maintain good attendance. The approach is holistic, addressing both academic and non-academic factors that influence student truancy.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Monitor and track attendance
- Establish a system for daily attendance recording
- Set up alerts for when a student reaches 3 unexcused or 5 total absences
- Review attendance records weekly to identify patterns
- Coordinate with teachers to ensure accurate attendance data
- Use attendance software with tracking capabilities
- Train staff on new attendance policies and technology
- Develop a protocol for addressing discrepancies in attendance data
- Communicate attendance expectations to students and parents
- Provide access to attendance records for students and parents
- Create a dedicated team to monitor and analyse attendance trends
⛳️ Strategy 2: Engage with students and parents
- Schedule meetings with students who reach the absence threshold
- Communicate with parents about attendance expectations
- Provide information on the impact of truancy on academic performance
- Develop a contract with students and parents to improve attendance
- Offer counselling services for students with frequent absences
- Create a welcoming school environment to encourage attendance
- Send home newsletters highlighting the importance of attendance
- Involve parents in creating a get-back-on-track plan
- Host workshops for parents on supporting student attendance
- Establish a parent hotline for attendance-related inquiries
⛳️ Strategy 3: Implement support and intervention programs
- Establish a mentorship program for at-risk students
- Provide academic support or tutoring for frequently absent students
- Assess and address any barriers to attendance such as transportation
- Develop a reward system to incentivise good attendance
- Coordinate with community organisations to offer support services
- Offer flexible scheduling or alternative learning options
- Implement a buddy system to pair students with peers for support
- Identify and address any bullying issues or school climate concerns
- Conduct regular check-ins with frequent absentees
- Create a school-wide attendance challenge with goals and rewards
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
