Out of Sight Out of Mind? Your Guide to Post-COVID Attendance Data and Recovery [Part 4]

There are bright spots on the horizon for COVID-19 recovery in education.

The so-called Southern surge has shown southern states surging ahead of their northern counterparts in pandemic recovery. States like Louisiana have already exceeded pre-pandemic performance in reading, while Alabama is making significant gains in math.

The big question is: What tools and strategies do we need to finally catch up?

Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored The Power of Presence, the Louisiana Department of Education’s comprehensive guide to attendance recovery. I encourage you to read parts 1, 2, & 3 before you join us here for the 4th and final installment. Buckle up, this one might be the hardest to put into practice, but it’s also one of the most impactful.

Our last special focus is on something often overlooked: communication with stakeholders. When done well, this strategy gives staying power to your attendance initiatives. 

Who are the attendance stakeholders and why do I need to talk to them?

Some stakeholders are obvious. Parents, of course, are front and center. As the LDOE notes, “When families and schools collaborate, not only does attendance improve, but academic incomes are positively impacted.” But the list goes beyond parents. Other stakeholders include:

• Businesses

• Healthcare providers

• Faith-based organizations

• Social service agencies

At first glance, these groups might not seem connected to school attendance, but their influence can be surprisingly powerful.

Why Healthcare Providers Matter

So, why does the dentist matter when it comes to a seventh grader missing math? Healthcare providers often serve as “first responders” to absences. Many children miss school for health-related reasons, like a sore tooth.

These providers are often the first adults outside the family who know why a child isn’t in school. With the right communication, schools and healthcare professionals can:

• Clarify legitimate health-related absences

• Reinforce the importance of consistent attendance

• Provide families with encouragement about returning to school quickly

I remember bringing my two-year-old to the pediatrician during what felt like ear infection number one million. As she examined my squirmy toddler, she cheerfully said, “I’m so glad he’s getting sick now! He’s training his immune system before big school. It would be terrible for him to miss third grade for these ear infections.” That comment reframed the way I thought about absences. Third grade must be really important if my pediatrician said so! 

Engaging the broader community

Faith-based organizations and the business community may not feel like intuitive attendance partners. After all, not many kids are missing school to hang around the accountant’s office or shoot hoops with the pastor on the church basketball court. But both groups can play a vital role in shaping community norms around attendance.

Think back to the summer reading programs of the 1990s, where kids could earn a free pizza for reading a certain number of books. How many of us “attended” the library all summer long because of that reward? (This 90s kid sure did!)

The opportunities for business collaboration extend far beyond pizza.  The report gives the example of how a business can, “incentivize positive school attendance by offering gift certificates, donating products, or sponsoring a "Student of the Month" program.”

When attendance is recognized and celebrated, it shifts the narrative. In a world where athletes and entertainers often dominate the spotlight, these efforts remind students and families that academic success matters too.

And remember that old business axiom: what gets measured matters, and what’s rewarded gets repeated.

Final Thoughts and How to Take Action

Strong school attendance is a community effort. Businesses, healthcare providers, churches, and social services all have a role to play in supporting students.

So tell us!

• Who are you collaborating with to get students back in classrooms?

• Which partnerships are working best for your community?

We’d love to hear your stories. Share your perspective in the comments or connect with us on social media to continue the conversation.

About Instructional Data Solutions: Our mission is to remove barriers to enable education organizations to focus on what matters most. We assist school systems and education organizations of all sizes by collecting, analyzing, and clearly communicating data. We are committed to empowering educators through comprehensive data analytics and tailored support. Additionally, we provide dedicated support for operational needs, process improvement, and special projects, offering customized solutions to enhance effectiveness and success. Our solutions bridge the gap between data collection and instructional improvement in PK-12 settings.