Mixed messages on school attendance
Schools need to send clear, consistent messages about the importance of showing up
I’ve already written once about my frustrations with how schools in my area dealt with last month’s snowstorm. But I want to put a finer point on it by walking you though a timeline. The contrast here is pretty jarring:
Sunday, January 25: Snowstorm drops 5-8 inches of snow, followed by another 1-2 inches of freezing rain.
Monday, January 26: Schools are closed.
Tuesday, January 27: Schools are closed.
Wednesday, January 28: Schools are closed.
Thursday, January 29: Schools are closed for pre-scheduled teacher workday.
Friday, January 30: Schools are closed for pre-scheduled teacher workday.
Monday, February 2: Schools are closed.
Tuesday: February 3: Two-hour delay.
Wednesday, February 4: Two-hour delay.
Thursday, February 5: Two-hour delay.
Friday, February 6: Two-hour delay.
…
Friday, February 13: All parents at my kid’s school get an email reminding parents of the importance of consistent attendance. Here’s the message:
We ask for your continued support in reinforcing the importance of daily attendance and arriving to school and each class on time. In middle school, every class period matters. Missing instruction or arriving late can make it difficult for students to keep up with assignments, projects, and assessments.
Encouraging consistent routines at home such as getting adequate rest, organizing materials, and being prepared for the school day, can make a significant difference in your child’s success.
Look, I totally understand what the school is trying to do here. Chronic absenteeism rates soared during the pandemic and have remained stubbornly high. And the school leaders had no say over the snow day decisions.
But geez, the words from the school and the actions from the district are telling two very different stories. Is school essential and important? Well, that depends on the day and who’s asking!
Reading List
Kara Arundel: DC’s citywide effort to boost math achievement
New research: “increased funding for counselors led to large increases in high school graduation and measures of school climate”
More new research: “[Communities in Schools] boosts test scores for struggling students, and that these improvements persist, ultimately increasing high-school completion and adult earnings”
A very similar story here in Michigan. The kids had nearly 2 weeks of school cancelled or delayed and once they were back the school had the gall to send a message to parents about how some kids were struggling to transition back to school and how important it was for parents to maintain "consistent routines" to help with this!
NYC schools closed for the Monday after the snow, virtual school, back to regular school Tuesday, single digit weather, yes, attendance dipped, probably the vast numbers of high poverty in NYC schools, breakfast and lunch in school is really important..