Educators
Tips and tools for teachers, principals, professional student support staff, administrators and superintendents.
Students with regular school attendance are more likely to succeed. Every day matters for every child. Everyone can help make this happen – schools, families and community members.
Attendance matters for students at all grade levels. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to read at grade level, and to build a strong foundation as they move from preschool and kindergarten to high school.
On the other hand, students who are chronically absent are at risk of falling behind. “Chronically absent” means a student is missing 10% of the school year. It doesn’t matter whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Each day represents lost time.
What does 10% look like? If your school district uses a five-day week, 18 days is considered chronically absent. If your district uses a four-day week, 14 days is considered chronically absent.
School districts are now tracking absences more closely. This is not to increase disciplinary actions – it is to identify students who may need increased support getting to school. Every day matters for every child.
Children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are 18% less likely to graduate.*
Students are considered at risk when they are chronically absent – that's 10% of the school year.
1 in 6 Oregon children is chronically absent.*
Getting to school can be tough. These tips can help students overcome obstacles and be in school – with help from others.
Students do best in a safe and welcoming environment. Schools and families can help with this by:
Things don’t always go smoothly. Planning ahead can help you be ready for issues with:
These are common reasons students miss school. Visit 211info.org to learn about local community resources, or ask your school for suggestions.
Work on household routines to make it easier to get out the door. Download this document for ideas to help with the following:
It takes a team to improve attendance, and many small efforts can add up to big improvements. These Every Day Matters toolkits are chock-full of ideas and information to get you started.
Tips and tools for teachers, principals, professional student support staff, administrators and superintendents.
How can we help? This toolkit is full of ideas and connections to resources that can help your child get to school regularly.