Tackling Chronic Absenteeism: Leveraging Data and Implementing Proven Strategies

This session focuses on tackling chronic absenteeism by leveraging data and implementing proven, sustainable strategies. Led by Dr. Christopher Graves, the workshop guides participants through a six-phase framework: Connect and Reflect, Explore and Analyze, Identify and Investigate, Prepare and Design, Implement and Sustain, and Reflect and Commit. Participants begin by building community and identifying their personal “why” behind improving attendance. They then explore data trends and root causes of absenteeism, including systemic inequities and adverse childhood experiences.

Throughout the session, attendees engage in collaborative activities using strategy maps, handouts, and small group discussions to develop targeted intervention plans. The session emphasizes a tiered approach—universal, small group, and individual—to support students with varying needs. Participants also design strategies for engaging key stakeholders, including teachers, families, and student leaders, while considering adaptive leadership and school culture.

The session concludes by supporting participants in setting SMART goals, planning multi-year implementation, and creating systems for monitoring progress and celebrating success. By the end, attendees leave equipped with a personalized attendance action plan, a deeper understanding of the human cost of absenteeism, and practical tools to foster connectedness and accountability in their schools.