Truancy Interventions
By Jillian France
I am the Instructional Coach at College Street Elementary. This year, I partnered with my Assistant Principal to research and intervene on truancy concerns on our campus. We have seen huge improvements in attendance compared to last year, and I would like to share with you the most impactful interventions we have implemented.
$5 Friday
Students are paid for their attendance at CSE. If students are present every day of the school week, they earn five dollars in Cougar Cash. Cougar Cash can be redeemed at Classroom Stores or the Cougar Store at the end of the nine weeks. For students with greater attendance concerns, teachers can offer $1 per day.
School-wide Attendance Goals and Data Tracking
CSE's monthly attendance goal is to have 96% attendance each day. When this is met, a green dot is placed on the calendar which is displayed in the hallway. Students contribute to this by setting and tracking personal attendance goals. This is done for each homeroom class as well. Various celebrations are held when goals are met.
CHOICES
Choosing Healthy Options in Creating Excellence & Success offers various programs and activities, such as counseling at an affordable price, to support families of LISD. CSE families are given information about CHOICES during Truancy Prevention Meetings as an additional resource.
Parent Communication
The most effective intervention we have put into place to increase attendance is constant and consistent communication with parents. When attendance concern first arises, the parents are contacted by the classroom teacher. If absences continue, parents are contacted by our Assistant Principal and a Truancy Prevention Meeting is scheduled. At the meeting, teachers share the impact that truancy has had on the student and the committee implements any additional interventions.
Cougar Time
Another impactful intervention CSE has put in place is student-choice clubs. We call this Cougar Time. At the beginning of each semester, students are offered a variety of teacher-sponsered clubs. Cougar Time occurs every Friday and begins promptly at 7:50. The early start time has decreased the number of tardies on Fridays. In addition, student-based clubs have increased campus attendance on Fridays.
College Street Elementary
Email: francej@lisd.net
Website: http://www.lisd.net/collegestreet
Phone: 469-713-5965