Truancy Archives

Addressing the Chronic Absentee Recovery Issue

Madelyn Jackson and Jennifer Peterson from Val Verde USD have implemented effective strategies to tackle chronic absenteeism through a structured approach that includes SART (School Attendance Review Team) meetings and home visits. By leveraging the RaaWee Attendance+ tools and mobile app, they have created a comprehensive system that addresses the unique challenges faced by students who struggle with attendance.

Their team conducts around 4,000 SART meetings annually, alongside approximately 150 home visits, placing a strong emphasis on early intervention and personalized support for each student identified as chronically absent. This proactive approach has led to impressive outcomes, with the program achieving a remarkable 96.7% attendance rate. Notably, significant improvements in attendance have been observed following home visits, showcasing the effectiveness of their tailored strategies.

Hosting SART Meetings

The SART meetings are carefully structured to involve both parents and attendance specialists initially at the primary level, gradually including students at the secondary level. These meetings serve as a crucial platform for discussing the detrimental impact of absences on academic performance and the overall well-being of students. When attendance does not improve after these interventions, cases are escalated to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). This board comprises community partners, including a district attorney, social worker, district nurse, and other district representatives, ensuring a collaborative approach to addressing attendance issues.

Individualizing Home Visits

In addition to SART meetings, attendance specialists perform approximately 150 home visits each year. These visits are designed to provide personalized support, conduct wellness checks, and verify residency. By engaging with families in their home environments, the specialists can better understand the barriers to attendance and offer targeted assistance. The personal touch of these visits has proven to significantly improve attendance rates, reinforcing the district’s unwavering commitment to the success of its students.

Resulting Attendance Success

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the program had successfully maintained a 96.7% attendance rate, indicative of the positive impact of their strategies. The team effectively utilizes the RaaWee Attendance+ mobile app for streamlined tracking, efficient route planning, and thorough documentation, which enhances their outreach efforts and improves response times.

This comprehensive approach has been instrumental in re-engaging students and families, ensuring not only better attendance outcomes but also fostering a supportive community that values education and student success. By addressing chronic absenteeism head-on, Val Verde USD exemplifies a commitment to creating a nurturing learning environment for all its students.

Description

Ronnie Edwards, Asst Superintendent, School Leadership & James Crider, Director, Business Intelligence, Katy ISD, presented the district’s Attendance Incentive Initiative, “Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow” to improve student attendance and outcomes. With a 2% average daily attendance (ADA) drop affecting funding, the district uses RaaWee Attendance+ and financial incentives to boost attendance. The initiative improved ADA by nearly 1% in one semester, adding $5M to the budget and 865 daily attendees.

Incentive for Campus Attendance Improvement

The district team, including specialists in dropout prevention, business intelligence, and student support, implemented strategies like branding, newsletters, and real-time data monitoring using RaaWee attendance+ and mobile App. Schools were given autonomy to develop attendance strategies, while the district provided resources and incentives, such as raffles, gift cards, and recognition programs.

Attendance Improvement Success

In the first semester, Katy ISD improved ADA by nearly 1%, increasing daily attendance by 865 students and potentially adding $5 million to the budget. Schools receive financial incentives based on ADA growth, calculated using historical data and dashboards. The initiative also prioritizes parental engagement, campus leadership involvement, and celebrating attendance improvements. By fostering a competitive and collaborative environment, Katy ISD aims to sustain and enhance student attendance, ensuring long-term academic and financial benefits.

About the Presenters

Ronnie Edwards – Assistant Superintendent, School Leadership, Katy ISD

Ronnie Edwards is the Assistant Superintendent for School Leadership at Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD). With over 20 years of experience in education, he is dedicated to enhancing instructional practices and supporting school leaders. Ronnie focuses on fostering a collaborative environment that promotes student success and teacher development. His strategic vision and commitment to educational excellence have significantly contributed to the growth and achievement of schools within the district.

James Crider – Director, Business Intelligence, Katy ISD

James Crider serves as the Director of Business Intelligence at Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD). With a strong background in data analysis and educational management, he is responsible for leveraging data to drive informed decision-making within the district. James is committed to enhancing operational efficiency and improving student outcomes by implementing innovative data solutions. His expertise in business intelligence plays a crucial role in supporting Katy ISD’s strategic initiatives and overall effectiveness.

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.

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 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 Attendance+ could further enhance data-driven decision-making and intervention efforts.

About the Presenter

Sharon Bradley, M.Ed., Director – Student, Family, and Community Services

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.

Shifting Truancy Intervention

Rebecca Clark and Jennifer Boniol from Lewisville ISD discussed shifting truancy interventions from compliance to student-centered approaches. They use the RaaWee Attendance+ tool for data management and introduced the ADAPT program for counseling, HOPE for substance abuse, and CHOICES for family support, leveraging tiered support from counselors and social workers for holistic intervention.

A Shift from Compliance to Support

Lewisville ISD has transitioned from traditional truancy enforcement to student-centered strategies, adapting to legal changes that limit punitive measures. By addressing the root causes of absenteeism, the district ensures students receive the support they need to stay engaged in school.

Leveraging Data for Early Absenteeism Interventions

With the implementation of RaaWee Attendance+ solutions, staff gain real-time attendance insights, enabling them to identify at-risk students early and intervene proactively. This data-driven approach allows for targeted support rather than reactive discipline.

ADAPT: Counseling for Student Success

A key initiative, ADAPT, is a three-week small group counseling program for students and parents, offered across all five high schools. The program focuses on self-awareness, social skills, and decision-making, serving as both a pre-court intervention and a court-ordered option for struggling students.

Comprehensive Mental Health and Family Support

Lewisville ISD provides additional resources like the HOPE program for substance abuse and the CHOICES program for family counseling. A tiered intervention system, involving campus counselors, Student Assistance counselors, and social workers—ensures that students facing mental health or family challenges receive the right support.

Expanding Intervention Resources for Lasting Impact

Key priorities include expanding ADAPT, refining counseling referral criteria, and enhancing collaboration between administrators and counseling staff. By emphasizing intentional communication and student well-being, Lewisville ISD ensures truancy interventions are both supportive and effective.

Description

Angela, a former teacher and at-risk coordinator, shared Garland ISD’s enrollment/dropout recovery process. She introduced “Operation Opportunity” to streamline efforts, highlighting initiatives like “LEAP” and “RISE.” With clear processes, multi-channel communication, RaaWee Attendance+, and attendance teams, 67% advanced to sophomores, and 85% graduated or continued, ensuring year-long student support.

Operation Opportunity: A Structured Approach

Garland ISD’s enrollment / dropout recovery process is built on clear expectations, documented procedures, and multi-channel communication. Through Operation Opportunity, the district streamlined efforts to re-engage students, launching key initiatives like LEAP and RISE to expand academic opportunities.

Reconnecting Individual Students to Education (RISE) Program

The RISE program provides flexible schedules, online courses, and individualized support, helping 67% of participants advance to sophomore year and 85% either graduate or continue their education.

Attendance Teams for Targeted Interventions

Specialists are assigned to high schools to closely monitor attendance and implement interventions. Dedicated administrators track trends by grade level and demographics, ensuring early support for at-risk students. Home visits and partnerships with programs like McKinney-Vento and Hazel Health further assist vulnerable students and families.

Incentives and Year-Round Engagement

Garland ISD maintains a year-long focus on attendance goals, prioritizing data accuracy and celebrating small wins. Community-sponsored incentives reward students for improved attendance, reinforcing positive habits.

Leveraging RaaWee Attendance+ for Efficiency

With clear staff training and digital tools like RaaWee Attendance+, the district enhances student tracking and intervention efficiency. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework further aids struggling students, ensuring they receive the help they need.

Accountability and Long-Term Success

Angela emphasized the importance of clear documentation, collaboration between district and campus teams, and strong accountability measures. By aligning enrollment recovery efforts with structured strategies, Garland ISD fosters long-term student success.

About the Presenter

Angela Daniels, M.Ed., Student Engagement Administrator, Student Services, Garland ISD, TX

Angela is a former Intervention Coordinator and teacher with 20 years of experience developing unique opportunities to help all students succeed. She has led initiatives that have reduced dropout rates and enhanced student engagement. She holds certifications in Education Leadership and Dropout Prevention.

Description

Gabriela Pulido and Donna Minix discussed Katy ISD‘s truancy prevention efforts. Serving 88,465 students, the district saw attendance peak at 99.74% in 2019-2020 but declined slightly post-pandemic. To combat this, the dropout and chronic absenteeism prevention teams use RaaWee Attendance+, now expanding district-wide, to track attendance, sign AIPs electronically, and monitor communications effectively.

A Data-Driven Approach to Attendance

Katy ISD, serving over 88,000 students across 70 campuses, has implemented targeted interventions to minimize truancy. While attendance peaked at 99.74% in 2019-2020, a slight decline followed the pandemic. The Dropout Prevention Department, led by Gabriela Pulido, collaborates with facilitators, social workers, and police officers to keep students engaged.

Structured Truancy Interventions

The district closely monitors attendance trends, implements Attendance Improvement Plans (AIPs), and follows a structured truancy flow chart, utilizing warning letters and court referrals when necessary. Partnerships with programs like Triad provide additional truancy prevention support.

Expanding the Use of RaaWee Attendance+

After a successful pilot in six schools, RaaWee Attendance+ is now being scaled district-wide. The platform offers real-time attendance reports, electronic AIP signatures, and email tracking, enhancing communication and intervention efforts.

Holistic Attendance Support for Students

Beyond attendance tracking, Katy ISD integrates character education, mental health services, and crisis intervention to support student well-being. These initiatives reinforce the district’s commitment to keeping students in school and engaged.

Collaboration for Continuous Attendance Improvement

With a low dropout rate, 167 students in 2019-2020 and 273 last year, Katy ISD remains focused on refining strategies and fostering a culture of attendance. By expanding digital tools and strengthening community partnerships, the district continues to make strides in reducing truancy.

Strategic Attendance Planning Playbook for Next Year

Virtual Workshop Series

To support districts in applying the framework, a six-part virtual workshop series has been developed based on the guide. Designed for district leaders, campus administrators, attendance teams, and student services professionals, the series helps teams move from understanding the framework to using it in a purposeful way as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

Each session focuses on a specific component of the guide and includes an overview, guided discussion, and dedicated time for action planning. Participants will work through the framework step by step, applying it directly to their district context and building a stronger, more coordinated approach to attendance for next year.

Series Schedule

April 21: Organize and Mobilize Your Team
April 28: Agree Upon Destination
May 5: Prioritize Routes
May 12: Share Your Roadmap
May 19: Build Capacity and Partnerships
May 26: Implement, Monitor, and Adapt

What You Will Gain

🔹Weekly, actionable steps that can be implemented immediately

🔹A structured, district-specific attendance playbook

🔹Participants will receive CEU credits

🔹Ongoing support through session recaps and summaries

Definitive Guide to Attendance Improvement

Student attendance remains a foundational driver of academic success, yet improving it continues to be a complex challenge for many districts.

The Definitive Guide to Student Attendance Improvement was developed to support school and district leaders with a clear, structured approach to this work. It provides practical, actionable strategies that can be integrated into existing plans, helping teams move beyond tracking attendance toward building a coordinated, system-wide effort.

The guide emphasizes collaboration, shared responsibility, and planning, while also supporting districts in leveraging RaaWee Attendance+ tools and resources. Its purpose is to help teams create sustainable systems that strengthen student engagement and improve attendance outcomes.

Definitive Guide Implementation Templates

As teams begin applying the framework, the focus shifts from understanding to execution. Turning ideas into a coordinated plan requires structure, clarity, and consistency across teams.

To support this work, a set of implementation templates aligned to the Definitive Guide is available in a format designed for easy access and use during planning sessions.

These templates help teams organize discussions, define priorities, and translate the framework into a clear, actionable attendance strategy.

About the Workshop Facilitator

Sharon Bradley is a national educational consultant, author, and speaker with over 25 years of experience in K–12 education. She previously served as a district administrator in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, leading districtwide efforts in truancy prevention and student engagement, and has held roles including student services director, high school principal, assistant principal, and dropout prevention coordinator.

She is the author of Chronic Absenteeism: Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Schools, Families, and Communities and Combating Chronic Absenteeism through Attendance Intervention Plans. Sharon is also a founding member of Attendance USA and was recognized as a 2024 “Leader to Learn From” by EducationWeek and the 2023 “Person of the Year” by the International Truancy and Dropout Prevention Association.

She currently serves as Principal Consultant at RaaWee K12 Solutions, supporting districts with proven attendance and engagement strategies.

About the Guide’s Author

Born and raised in an educator household, Dr. Kim Wallace started her own career in public education 30 years ago as a high school English and history teacher before becoming a site principal and district office administrator. Her most recent K-12 role was as superintendent of one of the 20 largest school districts in California. Kim joined the UC Berkeley School of Education Leadership Programs division as the Associate Director of the 21^st Century California School Leadership Academy (21CSLA) State Center in 2020.

She also runs her own consulting company, Process Makes Perfect, specializing in real-world solutions for practitioners in the field. Kim consults, writes, and presents internationally on systems change and emerging trends in educational leadership. An award-winning, innovative educator, Kim leverages her abilities in educational administration, program management, and relationship development to optimize institutional effectiveness and deliver remarkable results.

Dr. Wallace’s book Leading the Launch: A Ten-Stage Process for Successful School District Initiatives was published by Solution Tree Press in 2021, followed by Leading Through an Equity Lens in 2023. Her upcoming book, Gamechanging Leadership in Action: An Educator’s Companion, is in production with Routledge/Taylor & Francis (Fall 2025). Kim attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, for her undergraduate degree in history. She then earned her Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) at the University of California, Los Angeles, and culminated her educational goals with a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from the University of California, Davis.

Description

The meeting discussed the HEB ISD’s truancy prevention and student success initiatives. Key points included the district’s demographics and graduation rate. The truancy process involves warning letters, parent contacts, and administrative conferences, escalating to court referrals at 13 unexcused absences. Serving 22,837 students, the district uses the RaaWee Attendance+ system tools for tracking and emphasizes timely interventions, community service, and character education programs to improve attendance and achievement.

Chronic Absenteeism & Truancy Interventions

The state-mandated truancy plan includes warning letters at three unexcused absences, parent contact, and student-administrator conferences. At six absences, a parent conference is held, and intervention programs are considered. Nine absences result in in-school suspension (ISS), and at thirteen, the truancy department may refer the case to court, prioritizing family support before legal action. This proactive approach aims to combat chronic absenteeism and ensure students remain engaged in their education.

Elementary students follow a similar process, with tardiness cases escalating from parent contact at five tardies to potential court filing at 30. The truancy department engages families through phone calls, home visits, and campus support to address chronic absenteeism early on.

Community Involvement in Attendance Awareness

Community involvement includes food drives, mobile pantries, and the TEAMS character education program. Retired professionals counsel at-risk families, and Hope Academy provides alternative learning environments.

Ongoing Support and Student Engagement

Best practices include a “hero board” to promote punctuality, door hangers for outreach, and rigorous documentation via RaaWee Attendance+ system tools. The department monitors attendance trends, tracks sibling comparisons, and emphasizes swift intervention for better outcomes.

Regular follow-ups ensure effective chronic absenteeism prevention, keeping students engaged and in school.

About the Presenter

Xavier Warren, Truancy Officer, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, TX.

Xavier Warren is a dedicated professional in the Truancy Department at Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, focused on improving student attendance and fostering accountability. Committed to educational equity, he addresses barriers to truancy, ensuring all students have the chance to succeed.

Through proactive communication and targeted interventions, Xavier collaborates with families, teachers, and community stakeholders to develop effective strategies that promote regular attendance. His expertise in building relationships has positively impacted student engagement and academic success.

Additionally, Xavier serves as the current president and has served as past treasurer of the Texas Association of Truancy & Dropout Prevention (TATDP), committed to best practice networking with his fellow professionals.

Improving Overall Student Attendance

Angela Daniels from Garland Independent School District (ISD) in Garland, TX, recently shared valuable strategies her team employed for student attendance improvement and dropout recovery, showcasing remarkable success in increasing high school attendance from 90.59% in 2023 to 93.2% in 2024. With a student population of 51,000 spread across 70 campuses, Garland ISD faces significant challenges in terms of truancy, which affects approximately 14% of students, and chronic absenteeism, impacting around 9%. Given that 72% of students are economically disadvantaged and 50% classified as at-risk, addressing attendance issues is paramount for the success and well-being of students in the district.

To support their attendance intervention efforts, Garland ISD utilizes the RaaWee Attendance+ system, which provides essential tools and reporting capabilities. This system aids the district in tracking attendance interventions, showcasing proof points, and analyzing trends related to student instructional minutes and funding recovery efforts. By leveraging data effectively, the district can pinpoint areas needing improvement and measure the impact of their strategies.

Addressing Dropout Recovery

Focusing specifically on high school students, particularly ninth graders, the district implemented root cause analysis and flexible scheduling to identify key problem areas affecting attendance. Attendance specialists were designated at each campus, and data was meticulously analyzed by grade level, race, gender, and teacher impact. Recognizing that transition years, such as moving from eighth to ninth grade, often present challenges, the district prioritized these students through home visits and summer outreach initiatives.

One notable initiative is the RISE program, which allows students to customize their schedules to accommodate personal and family challenges. This program encourages collaboration with counseling, special programs, and other stakeholders to establish fair and equitable criteria for participation. Impressively, 85% of participants in the RISE program continued their education or graduated, highlighting the program’s effectiveness.

Angela emphasized the importance of data analysis, collaboration, and celebrating small wins throughout the process. She also stressed the necessity of structured plans, ongoing checkpoints, and stakeholder involvement that extends beyond just the attendance team. By creating equitable solutions and fostering engagement and positive attendance, Garland ISD is dedicated to supporting students in staying present, connected, and thriving in their educational journeys. Their comprehensive approach serves as a model for other districts striving to improve student attendance and overall success.

About the Presenter

Angela Daniels, M.Ed., Student Engagement Administrator, Student Services, Garland ISD, TX