Description

Dr. Lesli Guajardo, Denton ISD, shared how her team uses data to improve attendance. Serving 32,000 students across 43 campuses, they leverage the RaaWee Attendance+ system and the Truancy and Dropout Prevention System (TDPs) for tracking. Key strengths include data analysis, training, and relationships. They focus on timely interventions, effective communication, and collaboration with campuses.

Denton ISD’s Data-Driven Strategy

Dr. Lesli Guajardo shared insights on using data-driven strategies to enhance attendance systems. Serving 32,000 students across 43 campuses, the district employs a collaborative approach, integrating data analysis, training, and relationship building to support attendance improvement efforts.

Collaborative Team Approach

Guajardo’s team includes an assistant director, attendance officers, and a data analyst, working together to track attendance trends and identify intervention points. The department utilizes the Truancy and Dropout Prevention System (TDPs) alongside RaaWee Attendance+ to monitor ADA rates, TPMS timeliness, and low-attendance days.

Proactive Engagement Strategies

A key priority is fostering strong relationships with campuses, providing structured training for attendance clerks, and ensuring timely interventions for chronically absent students. Regular data reviews inform targeted strategies, addressing challenges such as early release days and special events that impact attendance.

Continuous Improvement in Attendance Systems

Denton ISD emphasizes ongoing evaluation and collaboration with principals and district leaders. Weekly reports guide decision-making, ensuring attendance initiatives remain effective and sustainable. Through proactive engagement and data-driven decision-making, the district continues to refine its approach to reducing absenteeism.

 

About the Presenter

Dr. Lesli Guajardo is the Director of District & Student Support Services for Denton ISD, bringing expertise in education and student advocacy. With a PhD in Educational Leadership, she focuses on fostering a supportive environment for all students.

In her role, Dr. Guajardo oversees programs that enhance student welfare, including counseling and academic support services. She emphasizes collaboration and innovation to ensure students receive necessary resources.

Passionate about equity in education, Dr. Guajardo engages with parents, educators, and the community to address diverse student needs. Her commitment to excellence continues to make a significant impact within Denton ISD.

Description

Pam from Northside ISD discussed their efforts toward attendance improvement by eliminating barriers. With 103,000 students, 11 specialists made 9,000 home visits. Attendance rose to 96.5% post-COVID. They focus on collaboration, community support, and addressing root causes like food insecurity. Their five-year plan emphasizes data-driven, proactive solutions, which align with tools like RaaWee Attendance+ to streamline attendance management and intervention strategies.

Supportive and Collaborative Approaches to Barrier Elimination

Shifting away from punitive measures, Northside ISD focuses on engaging families and leveraging community barrier-specific resources for attendance improvement. Their 11 attendance specialists conducted over 9,000 home visits this year, working closely with McKinney-Vento and PTA programs to support homeless and foster youth.

Whole-Child Approach to Attendance Improvement

The district prioritizes students’ basic needs, addressing food insecurity, housing instability, and special education support before focusing on academics. Parent engagement initiatives, such as pre-K coffee days and educational forums, help families understand attendance laws and available resources to address chronic absenteeism.

Sustaining Attendance Growth with Data-Driven Strategies

Northside ISD leverages data to shape policies, track interventions, and drive campus-wide culture change. Their five-year plan focuses on continuous attendance improvement through collaboration, proactive strategies, and expanded partnerships. As the district refines its approach, innovative tools like RaaWee Attendance+ could offer additional insights to enhance attendance monitoring and intervention efforts.

About the Presenter

Pam Gould, Superintendent at Northside ISD

Pam Gould is the Superintendent of Northside Independent School District (NISD) in Texas, with over 30 years of experience in education. She is recognized for her leadership and dedication to creating a positive learning environment.

Under her leadership, NISD has achieved notable advancements in academic performance and community engagement. Pam promotes innovative teaching practices and technology integration to enhance education.

Pam is committed to promoting equity and inclusivity, ensuring every student has access to necessary resources. She actively engages with community initiatives to strengthen connections between schools and families, making a lasting impact on NISD.