Summary
Sharon Bradley, Director of Family and Social Services at Plano ISD, stressed the role of adult presence in reducing chronic absenteeism, which has nearly doubled to 26% since the pandemic. She highlighted trust-building, creating welcoming spaces, engaging with curiosity, restorative practices, and recognizing good attendance as key strategies. Data-driven solutions, like RaaWee K12 Attendance+, can further support districts in tackling absenteeism through targeted interventions and proactive engagement.
Building Connections to combat Chronic Absence
Chronic absence in Texas has nearly doubled since the pandemic, reaching 26%. External factors like family struggles, personal challenges, and weak adult connections significantly impact student attendance. Creating welcoming school environments, engaging students with curiosity, and using restorative practices can help address these barriers. Instead of punitive measures, logical consequences such as making up instructional time through tutoring or leadership roles support accountability while keeping students engaged.
Encouraging Positive Attendance Habits
Recognizing and celebrating good attendance is crucial. Plano ISD uses incentives like positive tardy slips, social media recognition, and parent acknowledgments to encourage engagement. Educators are encouraged to apply strategies like “The Power of Being Seen” to identify students lacking strong adult connections and foster relationships that promote attendance.
Strengthening Attendance Through Collaboration and Data
Consistent school-wide messaging and professional development help reinforce attendance priorities. A collaborative approach involving teachers, administrators, families, and the community ensures students feel valued and motivated to attend regularly. As Plano ISD continues refining its approach, integrating advanced attendance tracking solutions like RaaWee K12 Attendance+ could further enhance data-driven decision-making and intervention efforts.
About the Presenter
Sharon Bradley is an experienced educational leader with over 15 years in student services at Plano Independent School District (PISD). As the Director of Student Services, she focuses on creating an inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of students.
Holding a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Sharon has a strong background in special education and program development. She advocates for equity in education, enhancing student well-being and academic success.
Sharon shapes policies and programs related to counseling and support, believing every student deserves the opportunity to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys engaging with the community and mentoring future educators, making a lasting impact on PISD.
