Watch the RecordingListen to the Podcast

Chronic absenteeism is an ongoing problem in schools that significantly hinders learning—after all, students can’t learn if they’re not present. So, what can leaders do to address this?

During the edLeader Panel “Chronic Absenteeism and Daily Routines That Influence Attendance,” Michael Lopes-Serrao, Superintendent of Parkrose School District (OR), Shelli Deaguero, Principal at Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy (CO), and Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks, examined how routines and positive motivation can help get kids back into schools.

Belonging Is Key

One of the biggest ways school systems can combat chronic absenteeism is by making students feel like they belong. Greeting students each day and giving them a voice in the classroom generates a sense of community. Additionally, building systems and structures into the daily schedule for teachers to develop connections with students makes them feel seen and cared for. When students feel this in school, they are more likely to show up.

One example of this is morning meetings, where students share things about themselves related to what they’re learning, and teachers go over daily agendas. This also gives the kids who have difficulties arriving on time a chance to get to school before classes start, so they don’t miss lessons.

Cultivating belonging also helps schools develop connections with families and the broader community, making it easier to reach out to offer support to families who have attendance difficulties. While there are many barriers to attendance, such as socioeconomics, transportation, child care, or family needs, positive relationships are a huge step in schools working with families to find ways to help.

Look Into Operational Changes

Attendance can be improved through operational changes, too. For families who have difficulty arriving before the bell rings, allowing time for morning meetings is not only helpful in the social-emotional sense but also logistically, allotting extra time for drop-off before learning begins.

Schools can even provide breakfast during these meetings, further helping families short on time in the mornings or students who may not otherwise have access to breakfast. Classroom breakfasts provide another opportunity for kids to socialize and connect with each other, giving them motivation to attend class.

Other helpful operational shifts include setting aside time for short movement breaks throughout the day when kids can get on their feet and experience joy, and recognizing and rewarding students for improvements in their attendance.

Establish Routines

Having consistent routines, transitions, and shared spaces, all developed with student input, helps students feel like part of a community and builds a sense of safety. Clear expectations for transitioning between classes and making routines fun make it easier for students to understand and follow them.

Schools should have monthly meetings where teachers and students review said routines and recognize students who follow them well. Additionally, building routines around what play looks like outside and in class helps students learn to resolve simple conflicts and connect to the school culture.

Other Considerations

Focusing on different aspects of the student experience can go a long way in improving attendance. For example, many students have trouble getting to school for reasons beyond their control, such as when they’re driven by parents who have to drop off older siblings first. Helping students form bonds with trusted adults gives them someone they can reach out to regarding attendance challenges and other issues.

Collecting data through surveys helps with understanding how individual students stay regulated at school and ensuring they have a trusted adult in their lives. It’s also crucial that activities be accessible to all students, including multilingual learners. Teachers need to understand the kids they’re working with if they want to help them improve their attendance.

Combatting chronic absenteeism means cultivating a sense of belonging among students by recognizing them, establishing routines, and building a sense of joy into each day. When school is the place that students feel they belong, it builds a sense of community that brings in families and makes it easier to offer support. Help students feel welcome, and they’ll make a point of walking through the doors with smiles on their faces.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Chronic Absenteeism and Daily Routines That Influence Attendance, sponsored by Playworks.

Watch the RecordingListen to the Podcast

Join the Community

Creating a Positive School Climate is a free professional learning community that provides all education stake-holders with a place to collaborate on improving the learning environments of our schools to make them safe places for all students to reach their full potential.

Playworks partners with schools and districts to create safe, inclusive environments where every student can thrive. Through adult training, on-site coaching, consultative support, and online learning, Playworks helps schools strengthen recess, improve school climate, and build systems that support student engagement.

Rather than offering a one-time program, Playworks equips educators and school leaders with practical strategies that can be implemented immediately and sustained over time. Research has shown that Playworks supports positive behavior, increases physical activity, and contributes to stronger attendance outcomes, including reductions in chronic absenteeism in Title I schools.

By helping schools make the most of recess and other key moments in the school day, Playworks advances belonging, safety, and connection so students are ready to learn and more excited to return each day.

Article by Jon Scanlon, based on this edLeader Panel