The data is clear: student absences have risen significantly since the pandemic began. Recent media reports have highlighted this growing problem, while school administrators review data that clearly indicates how student attendance is vital to student achievement. Well thought out lesson plans and utilizing district resources provided by certified staff members ensure that students are provided the help and information to learn the material in the state mandated curriculum. As schools strive to reverse the absence trend, it's crucial for schools and parents to work together closely.
In response to this challenge, the J.O. Combs Unified School District is exploring creative solutions. One approach is to use technology to offer alternatives that help students catch up on missed assignments. Additionally, the district is researching changes in the law that would allow students to complete school work at home, thus still counting as present. However, the most important factor in addressing absenteeism remains the partnership between schools and parents. Open communication ensures that individual family circumstances can be accommodated to keep students engaged in learning.
The district is proud to be a one-to-one district, providing a computer for every student. In our elementary schools, each classroom is equipped with enough computers for all students to have access to a computer, while in grades seven through 12, each student receives their own device to take home. At the same time our teachers utilize Google classroom to ensure assignments are online and accessible to students 24/7. This technology enables students to complete assignments even when they can't attend class in person.
Furthermore, the district offers an online school and an alternative school, both utilizing online platforms for courses, ensuring that students have access to learning at all times. Additionally, the use of the digital resource Paper provides free online tutoring services, available to students from third through 12th grade, 24/7. These resources ensure that learning isn't confined to traditional school hours.
The use of technology and changes in state law has the district currently evaluating changes to our Instructional Time Model (ITM). As the district explores these potential changes, collaboration with families is essential. Timely communication from parents to excuse absences and make arrangements for extended absences is crucial. By working together, schools and parents can prevent missed learning opportunities from impacting student achievement negatively.
The district firmly believes that learning can take place anytime, anywhere. Through its future attendance initiatives, the district aims to foster a stronger partnership between our families and schools characterized by open communication. In doing so, the district is adapting its instructional practices to meet the evolving challenges of K-12 education in a post-pandemic world.
Dr. Gregory A. Wyman is superintendent of the J.O. Combs Unified School District in San Tan Valley.
