“The automation of many of the time intensive tasks has freed up time to work with individual families and students,” explains Kevin Chase, Superintendent of Educational Service District 105. 

“It’s like adding a halftime clerical support person in every building. Efficiency in the system has allowed us to actually get to the real work of helping students.” 

“Standardized interventions across buildings and use of prevention measures “has helped get more students in the green attendance zone,” reports Chase. 

The Single Most Enticing Feature 

The system’s most helpful features, according to Chase, include: use of data to see barriers, early warning for students and parents about too many absences. 

But what is the single most enticing feature? 

“Efficiency! The investment helps staff do more. Integration helps everyone work as a team. No more siloed actions.” 

Before, Chase says his district experienced “not enough time to do the job, so very little actual interventions being provided. Hopeless feelings.” Now? “The job is at least doable; we can make a difference.” 

A Light at the End of the Tunnel 

For those considering such a system, Chase advises: 

“The program is an investment in your frontline staff. You’re asking them to do so much, that they can’t get to it all. It is a light at the end of the tunnel.” 

“Also, you can track progress or lack thereof in real time at the district and building level.” 

The structure of the system creates an environment for “standardized practices,” says Chase. How? 

“Leading best practices [are] incorporated into the system.”