Addressing Kindergarten Attendance to Support Long-Term Success
Overview
This project examined attendance trends at Clear Sky Elementary, focusing on the impact of absenteeism in kindergarten on later academic and behavioral outcomes. By analyzing attendance, achievement, and behavior data, the goal was to identify patterns and implement targeted interventions to improve student engagement, readiness, and success in early education.
Key Findings
- Kindergarten absenteeism correlates with lower I-Ready scores in first grade.
- Chronic absenteeism (missing 10% or more of the school year) limits exposure to foundational literacy and math skills.
- Students with low attendance often exhibit reduced engagement and school readiness as
they transition to first grade.
Interventions Implemented
Parental Outreach
- Regular communication through newsletters, personal calls, texts, and easy-to-read materials.
- Encouraging families to monitor attendance and develop back-up plans for consistent school participation.
Family and Community Partnerships
- Attending meetings and engaging with families to build awareness.
- Offering support to reduce health-related absences, including collaboration with healthcare providers and guidance on when students should attend school.
- Helping families recognize and address school-related anxiety.
Student Support Initiatives
- Small-group interventions for students with chronic absenteeism to address barriers.
- Whole-classroom lessons on anxiety management, self-esteem, problem solving, and growth mindset to promote resilience and engagement.
Impact and Future Steps
These interventions fostered increased awareness among families and provided students with tools to improve school participation. Moving forward, continued collaboration with families, healthcare providers, and educators will be essential to sustaining a culture of consistent attendance, ultimately enhancing both academic and social-emotional outcomes.