It's an unpopular truth – millions of students still skip class, according to the Associated Press. Chronic absenteeism continues to be challenging for schools nationwide. But many are seeing drastic improvements. All those programs you developed for tutoring, mentorship, and student support are working.
Even more exciting is how schools are thinking outside the box to find absenteeism solutions. Unconventional programs are bridging some gaps and inspiring kids to get back into the classroom. And in addition to those programs, educators are also seeing better engagement when the physical spaces themselves are more comfortable, customizable, and flexible. Consider the benefits of choosing the right school furniture to complement your learning spaces as a method for supporting reduced absenteeism and get inspired by some of the unique ideas other schools are using. We'll show you how.
Introduce high school recess as an incentive
One school took a new approach to incentivizing high school students to attend class. This principal created a program for those who successfully reported to all their classes the previous day. Students would be allowed to participate in outdoor activities, organized sports, and recreation during their lunch hour. In a way, it was like a high school recess – and it worked. Students began reporting to their classes to become eligible for these new lunchtime activities. And administrators were thrilled that a healthy, physical activity-based incentive program would have such an impact on attendance.
Letters sent home continue to work
Another method for addressing chronic absenteeism involves layers of parent-teacher communication. Letters home to parents are calling attention to students who miss class. In many scenarios, parents are unaware their children are “ditching” at all. So, these notes home to parents continue to bring awareness to the issue and prioritize parent conversations about how best to address it.
A grant funds a weekly student payout of $50 for perfect attendance
One California school took a more drastic approach to incentivizing students. In this Oakland school, absenteeism soared to 53% in 2022-2023 across both district and charter schools. School officials surveyed their students and asked them what would make them come back to the classroom. As you might expect teenagers to respond, the students asked for “money” and “mentors.”
The school took action and created a grant-funded program in the spring of 2023 that paid 45 students $50 every week for perfect attendance. Each student also checked in with a pre-assigned adult and completed weekly assessments. Of course, paying students isn't necessarily a feasible solution for every school, nor will it likely be a long-term option. But to turn the tide during an absentee crisis, it worked. More than 60% of students improved their attendance as a result of the program.
Welcoming students as a matter of practice
Imagine being a high school student who regularly skips class. You decide to go to your English class, and upon entering, your teacher says, “look who decided to join us today.” Of course, you know this type of interaction isn't likely to inspire a student to come back to class again. But the concept demonstrates how easy it is for faculty and staff to play a role in creating a “welcoming” environment for students.
AP News shared studies that prove kids who can identify with their teachers are more likely to attend class. In a Gottfried study, students surveyed said, “It's important for me to see someone who's like me early on, first thing in the day.”
A school in Massachusetts created a “welcome” program that capitalizes on this first-thing student communication. Faculty and staff are required to greet and talk to their students every morning, with special attention to those who have a history of absenteeism. Forming these one-on-one connections and creating positive early engagements is proving to be effective.
Addressing the root causes of absenteeism
Another way schools address chronic absenteeism is with programs that support or resolve more core issues. Students skipping class is often a side effect of a more substantial issue. Most students who routinely miss class suffer from other problems, including financial family hardships, transportation challenges, or mental health struggles. Schools are now creating programs that support these students, like washing machines or laundry service, to help students who didn't otherwise have access to clean clothes, as Forbes points out. Other schools provide subway or bus cards to help students who might face issues with morning transportation.
Ways today's schools combat chronic absenteeism with school furniture
As your school explores new ways to incentivize students and combat chronic absenteeism, another out-of-the-box idea that works involves classroom furniture. Creating learning spaces that accommodate everyone and are flexible to changing student needs and dynamics can improve the student learning experience in a big way. Think flexible, inclusive, and mobile furnishings as you look for strategies that attract students back to the classroom.
Create a positive school culture
School mascots, color schemes, and furnishings can all support your school's culture. The more positive your culture, the more appealing it is for students. Consider giving some of your school's spaces a refresh or a room design update in a way that creates a more welcoming and positive environment for engagement and learning.
Example: Rethink your school's cafeteria spaces. Introduce comfortable booths and inclusive seating. Present convenient and modern grab-and-go style options, like Harry S. Truman High School did. Or get creative with food court layouts, socializing areas, and healthy food varieties.
Create more accommodating spaces to communicate
Communicating regularly with students and inviting parents to school for meetings are key to student success. Consider modern ways to outfit your school office or meeting spaces with furniture that creates open, welcoming places to talk with privacy options and comfortable designs.
Example: Create multi-purpose resource rooms that function as quiet study areas, vibrant tutoring spaces, or welcoming student meeting spaces. Outfit these spaces with comfortable lounge furniture, calming centers, inclusive seating, and mobile tables for flexible meetings.
Use school furniture to prioritize mental and physical health
Even if your school doesn't have the expansive budget to update entire cafeterias, student common areas, or school offices, consider smart furniture updates, one piece of classroom furniture at a time, that supports student mental and physical well-being can help. Consider mobile marker boards to facilitate better visual learning or replacement ergonomic chairs for student seating.
Example: Many schools are creating more hands-on learning experiences that include modern technology that appeals to students. Esports, media centers, and CTE programs are all programs that transform traditional learning into more innovative, modern learning. And when students enjoy what they're learning, they're more apt to keep coming back to class.
More tips for improving student attendance this year
If your school is looking to support healthy student attendance and combat absenteeism in new ways, consider these commonly adopted methods.
Establish attendance expectations: Make sure students and their families understand the importance of attendance through school media, handbooks, announcements, and meetings.
Identify and support at-risk students: Monitor attendance and absence patterns, and review excuses for absences. Consider follow-up strategies for students who have been absent more than five days in a term. Provide targeted support, such as mentoring, tutoring, and counseling.
Engage the community: Research shows that students learn better when their families and local community are involved in schools.
Make curriculum engaging: Connect the classroom to real-world scenarios and integrate project-based learning.
Create an attendance team: Delegate staff to monitor attendance, meet to discuss new solutions, and positively engage with at-risk students.
School Outfitters has the flexible school furniture you need to make a difference
Keep up the good work! The efforts you're making are working to improve student attendance. Use these examples and suggestions to inspire more solutions. And trust School Outfitters to be your resource for flexible, modern furniture and products to support those efforts. Learn more about what today's school administrators plan to invest in most this year by downloading Seen & Heard: 2024 Voice of Educators Survey.
When you're ready to explore new room designs and classroom furniture, contact our team and get your free quote.
