Reducing Chronic Absence: Promising Signals From Colorado and Virginia

Moderated by S. Kwesi Rollins, MSW, of the Institute for Educational Leadership, this GLR Week 2025 session started with Hedy Chang of Attendance Works setting the stage by discussing the impacts of chronic absence both for those missing school and those who are in school, the importance of starting early to address chronic absence, and the many reasons students may miss school as well as strategies for addressing those barriers. She also talked about the opportunity for states to get involved in the 50% Challenge, an initiative that Colorado and Virginia, along with 13 other states and the District of Columbia, have already joined.

Superintendent Emily Anne Gullickson, M.Ed., J.D., at the Virginia Department of Education and Commissioner Susana Córdova, Ed.D., at the Colorado Department of Education talked about strategies and policies their states are using to address chronic absence. Gullickson highlighted the importance of cross-agency partnership and the benefit of leadership from the governor and throughout the state to lift up the issue as a top priority. She also gave an overview of Virginia’s statewide data dashboard and the ways they are ensuring everyone understands how to use that data. Córdova discussed Colorado’s Every School Day Matters Campaign. She also shared how they are lifting up and promoting the work in districts with “Commissioner Chats” where she interviews superintendents showcasing exceptional practices on social media so leaders can learn from each other.

Local leaders in Colorado and Virgina also talked about the strategies they are using in their districts. Lori L. Bailey with Adams 12 Five Star School District in Colorado and Jennifer Buckley with Winchester Public Schools in Virginia provided concrete examples of how their districts are using data to identify chronic absence early on, employing creative and positive incentives and celebrations to encourage good school attendance, and focusing on relational and responsive practice to ensure that children feel they belong and are engaged.

Matt Peterson of the John & Janice Wyatt Foundation talked about the importance of community support and outlined ways that philanthropy can be part of the solution. He used examples from the work of the Winchester Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, including a pilot they hope to expand that supports families in developing nighttime routines that prepare families and children to start school with positive habits to promote good attendance.

Rollins then led a conversation covering a range of topics, including ways to ensure that all stakeholders are data-driven and how to address barriers such as mental health concerns.