Closing the Gap: Improving Attendance for Our Youngest Learners with Attendance Works

Chronic absence is double the levels prior to the pandemic, and it is exceptionally high in the early grades. Exceptional challenges (increased illness, mental health, economic challenges, etc.) are barriers to getting our youngest learners in school and back into the routine of learning. Despite the pandemic’s impacts, district leaders are implementing intentional, year-round strategies to deepen their connection to families, engage community partners, and offer supports to help students overcome barriers to attending school and participating in learning. In this CGLR Learning Tuesdays webinar co-sponsored by Attendance Works, Hedy Chang moderates a conversation with pediatrician Elliott Attisha from Detroit; school district administrators Erica Forti, from East Haven Public Schools in Connecticut, Elena Hill, Ed.D., with Dallas Independent Schools, Texas, and Tracy Hill, M.Ed., from Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Ohio. Panelists discuss how they are forging relationships with families, supporting school staff and rallying entire communities to support schools in creating safe, inclusive and quality learning environments for children.

Panel

MODERATOR Hedy Chang Executive Director Atendance Works

PRESENTER Elliott Attisha, DO FAAP Senior Fellow for Health Atendance Works

PRESENTER Erica Forti Superintendent East Haven Public Schools

PRESENTER Elena Hill, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent for Early Learning Dallas ISD

PRESENTER Tracy Hill, M.Ed. Execu�ve Director of Family and Community Engagement Cleveland Metropolitan School District