We know that poor school attendance is a leading predictor that a student will drop out of high school.  Elementary school children who are chronically absent are more likely to repeat a grade and struggle with grade-level reading.  If a child does not read a t grade level by the end of 3rd grade, he or she is four times more likely to drop out of school.

Educational attainment is the strongest predictor of a person’s income and financial stability. When students enter school with age-appropriate skills, consistently attend school, have life skills and the support of caring adults, they are more likely to succeed in the classroom – and in life.

• Provide resources and supports to families that strengthen interactions and promote early literacy learning in the home environment.
• Adults read to and with children.
• Improve access to the quality of early care and education environments for children living in poverty.
• Facilitate and coordinate activities that reduce summer learning loss.
• Engage students and parent/caregivers in the development of plans for improved attendance.
• Provide a continuum of supports and resources to address student attendance barriers.
• Monitor attendance data and practice to inform student progress of reduced absenteeism.
• Provide quality and engaging out –of-school time opportunities that reinforce and enhance academic and social emotional learning.
• Incorporate activities that complement school curriculum to increase student achievement and keep students on track to graduate.
• Provide caring, adult mentors for academic enrichment, interest-based activities and career readiness.
• Support mentoring relationship throughout to match to ensure sustained relationships.