Tag: #Attendance

Flexible Models to Maximize Instructional Minutes

Duncanville ISD is implementing innovative attendance strategies to better support student success and improve Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding. Through the Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP), at-risk students can earn attendance with just 45 minutes of daily instruction. In the 2023–2024 school year, six students participated, resulting in a 3% ADA increase from 70% to 73%.

A second approach, the dual credit flexible day model, uses a state-approved waiver to allow 11th and 12th graders enrolled in Dallas College to receive full ADA funding without traditional attendance requirements, preserving instructional quality while respecting students’ academic commitments.

Data-Driven Attendance Solutions

These models were designed in response to attendance trends identified through continuous monitoring, such as seasonal declines at Duncanville Collegiate High School and fluctuations at Pace High School. The OFSDP personalizes instruction through designated flex days, while the dual credit model aligns with state compliance without disrupting college coursework.

Enhancing Accuracy with Smart Tools

Accurate documentation is essential for both compliance and funding. RaaWee K12 Attendance+ supports these initiatives by offering robust tools for tracking instructional minutes, analyzing attendance patterns, and generating reports. As Duncanville ISD continues refining its strategies, smart solutions like RaaWee play a key role in linking academic success to sustainable attendance practices.

Reframing the SARB Process Through a Restorative Lens

Katie and Amir introduced a restorative lens to the traditional SARB process, advocating for a shift from punitive enforcement to empathetic engagement. Using the case of “John Doe,” a hypothetical seventh-grade student navigating ADD, family instability, and trauma, they illustrated how court threats and truancy warnings often compound disengagement rather than solve it.

Building Trust Through Restorative SART Contracts

To foster trust and build bridges, Katie shared a restorative SART contract that helps uncover family challenges through thoughtful dialogue. It includes structured prompts for background context, discussion, and barrier identification; guiding teams toward individualized, supportive interventions. Restorative language and parental partnership were highlighted as essential in creating a safe space for families.

Strengthening Support with Attendance Teams and Technology

The district has bolstered its support infrastructure by deploying attendance teams across school sites, ensuring deeper connection and continuity. RaaWee K12’s truancy prevention platform complement these restorative efforts by integrating tools like the SART contract into its system. Beyond automation, it enables staff to spend less time on paperwork and more time building the relationships that drive long-term student engagement.