Keeping Students On Track When They Are Chronically Absent
Absences are a normal part of any student's academic journey. Medical appointments, family emergencies, and extracurricular activities are common among the majority of students. What happens if absenteeism becomes persistent? The Department of Education reports that chronic absenteeism is a rising concern in the United States, particularly following the Covid-19 outbreak. The American Enterprise Institute reports that “in the 2023–2024 academic year, about 23.5% of K–12 public school pupils were absent for over 10% of classes”. “Over 30% of pupils consistently miss school in more than half of urban districts”. The primary cause for this is the presence of chronic health issues, encompassing both physical and mental conditions.
Learning gaps can occur when students skip a significant portion of class. Consistent gaps may result in stress, declining grades, and diminished motivation. Parents serve as a crucial connection in disrupting the cycle and redirecting adolescents towards success.
The Significance of Absenteeism
Missing school has consequences beyond grades. Studies demonstrate that chronic absence in early education reduces the likelihood of students attaining grade-level reading competency by the third grade. Missing middle and high school classes increases the likelihood of failing, losing interest, or even dropping out by the time you reach high school.
Chronic absenteeism of a student impacts the entire classroom. Educators must adjust the tempo, as a single student's tardiness may lead to reduced engagement among their peers due to boredom. Consequently, every absence incurs repercussions, underscoring the necessity of assisting students in maintaining structure during their break in order to stay on task.
Tips to Keep Students on Track
Formulate a strategy.
Staying organized may alleviate the sensation of having an excessive workload. A basic calendar or digital planner allows for effortless tracking of missed assignments. Parents may contact teachers in advance to request a list of chapters their child has missed and the corresponding homework required. A clear plan divides a large task into smaller, easier-to-manage tasks that can be completed within a specific time frame.
Seek assistance from your instructor and school.
Many educational institutions now incorporate methods for students to monitor their assignments, such as class notes, recorded lectures, and digital platforms. Parents can request a prioritized list of immediate tasks from teachers and those that can be deferred. Certain schools employ counselors or liaisons to monitor students who are ill and absent from school. Reach out to your school to request as much guidance as possible in advance of being chronically absent.
Make use of community and online resources.
Tutoring platforms, study apps, and instructional videos can supplement learning while your child is away from school. Research indicates that health and telehealth initiatives in educational institutions can substantially reduce student absenteeism. Parents want to consider academic coaching beyond the school environment, which provides children with customized schedules, weekly evaluations, and accountability support. Students will be more effective if they have access to outside resources. Students of Swoon Learning use our proprietary software, Swoon Front Office® to manage their work efficiently.
Chunk tasks
Rather than engaging in last-minute cramming prior to the deadline, students can divide their tasks into smaller, more manageable segments. This is called chunking. Task chunking is a productivity strategy where a large or complex project is broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces or "chunks" that can be tackled one at a time. Divide the work into smaller segments and dedicate around 20-30 minutes per subject. Students can restore their confidence and enthusiasm by studying each subject daily in small chunks.
Prioritize core subjects.
Prioritize mathematics, composition, and reading comprehension if time is limited. These attributes enhance students' success in all their other subjects. After completing the primary tasks, you can reintegrate electives and enrichment activities.
Take care of your mental health.
In addition to creating issues in the classroom, absence has an emotional impact on each student. Students may experience feelings of overload, guilt, or anxiety. Parents can reduce this by maintaining open communication, reassuring their child of support, and, if necessary, introducing them to mental health professionals or school counselors beyond the academic environment. Emotional support is key to a healthy mental perspective.
With the advancements in technology, it is no longer necessary to fall behind if your child must be chronically absent from school. Students can maintain progress and excel in class, and even cultivate executive functions if provided with appropriate tools, structure, and support. Addressing chronic absenteeism not only enhances immediate performance but also fosters resilience and resourcefulness. To ensure success during absenteeism, one must stay organized, break down assignments, and seek outside assistance.
Swoon Learning's platform, Swoon Front Office® with Swoon Assist™ helps students who are absent from school stay current with their schoolwork by providing tools that bridge the gap between home and school. It assists students in tracking missed assignments and upcoming responsibilities, allowing them to prioritize their work without feeling overwhelmed. The platform also enables students to arrange coaching sessions and facilitates communication among all users to ensure they remain informed and receive direct assistance. Additionally, it supports the development of individualized catch-up programs with clear deadlines and progress monitoring, fostering a sense of accomplishment upon students' return to school.
Would you like to provide your child with the necessary resources for success and maintain communication? Schedule a FREE 30 min discovery session with Swoon Learning today.
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