Throughout the school year, recommendations were revised several times to reflect what was currently known about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and best public health practices as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic…

Many districts struggle with multiple--and often incompatible--data systems for tracking payroll, collecting teacher evaluations, recruiting and hiring. Aligning these systems and annually assessing where a district stands is the first step towards developing a smart human capital strategy. This checklist outlines the goals, data and questions a…

The problem of student and teacher absenteeism is examined in terms of costs and the effect on academic performance, and solutions are suggested. A description of the major research to determine causes and to describe the nonattenders is included. (JMF)

Suggests ways classroom teachers can prepare for absences and help make substitute teaching productive. Recommends forming a list of preferred substitutes at the beginning of the school year; clarifying with students expected behavior; and preparing a permanent substitute packet. (LS)

Discusses the need for a comprehensive substitute teacher program in schools along with the important components of such a program. Identifies the roles of the principal, regular teacher, substitute teacher, and the superintendent in an effective substitute teacher program. (HB)

A successful program to improve personnel attendance has reduced sick leave in 40 New Jersey school districts without increasing dismissals, grievances, or costs. The author describes the five steps in this Attendance Improvement Program (AIP), including (1) analysis of data on staff absences due to illness; (2) preparation of operating guidelines…

Describes a project to identify the causes of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction in a district's schools in an attempt to improve teacher attendance. (MD)

Teacher absenteeism is a serious problem symptomized by lack of board and superintendent leadership, incomplete attendance records and policies, job dissatisfaction, and failure to recognize the problem or reward good attendance. The author outlines eight solutions that match each symptom and five false beliefs about teacher absenteeism. (RW)

Regulations for sick leave and substitute teachers, adopted by the North Carolina State Board of Education, are presented in outline form. Sick leave regulations provide for sick leave eligibility, sick leave earned, leave charges, sick leave accumulation, advancement of sick leave, verification of sick leave, repayment of excessive leave,…

This publication is designed to provide schools and school districts with help in addressing the challenge of recruiting and retaining excellent substitute teachers. It includes information on a variety of school district approaches to hiring, compensating, and supporting substitute teachers. Districts that provide training in classroom management…

Offers procedures for setting up an employee attendance monitoring system utilizing a computer. The main purpose of employee attendance profiles is to help workers improve their attendance records. (Author/MLF)

Lists ways in which school districts enable teacher absenteeism and how these practices can be remedied. Includes limiting personal days, sick-leave provisions, and conference leave. (MLF)

Data on teacher absenteeism in the U.S. as a whole as well as in specific states and districts indicate that the problem is serious and growing. A review of research findings on more than 15 factors affecting teacher absenteeism shows that time of year, levels of faculty agreement and community support, teacher interdependence, and requirements…

A Virginia district's voluntary teacher incentive program is credited with rewarding excellent performance, encouraging teacher attendance, and being simple to administer. Requirements include few absences, superior teaching evaluations by principal, good standardized test scores, successful evaluation by outside experts, and completion of course…

This guide discusses the results of a national survey of school administrators who were asked to rank from a list of 13 problems the top problems facing their schools today. Their responses, which are discussed in this report, include how to cut costs in areas like salaries, fringe benefits, and energy; how to better manage their schools and set…