ERIC Number: ED657508
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Aug
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
School-Family Partnerships to Support Attendance: Advancing an Equity-Centered Theoretical Framework
Sarah Lindstrom Johnson; Nita Kulkarni; Sue A. Rodriguez De Jesus; Stephanie Cottam; Marianne Fillhouer; Ana M. M. Guevara
Grantee Submission, Journal of School Health v94 n8 p777-785 2024
Background: Since returning to in-person instruction after the emergence of COVID-19 schools have seen a dramatic increase in the number of students chronically absent, with data indicating a greater increase for low-income, Black, and Hispanic students. Given the role of school attendance in both promoting positive educational outcomes as well as providing students with physical and mental health supports, it is critical to identify ways to re-engage families in a manner that is culturally responsive and equitable. Contributions to Theory: Current attendance interventions focus primarily on school-based academic and behavioral supports for students while excluding the family. Additionally, traditional family engagement models do not address the sociocultural realities of low-income and/or minoritized families. We present a strengths-based model of family engagement to support attendance. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Along with our model, we provide concrete supports that schools can provide, including example measurement items. In this way, schools and districts can self-assess as well as identify action steps to promote positive school-family partnerships for equitable family engagement. Conclusions: Without consistent attendance, schools cannot support positive educational outcomes nor provide important safety net services for students. Attendance is a family engagement challenge, which addressing holistically can reduce racial and socioeconomic educational and health disparities.
Descriptors: Attendance, Truancy, Attendance Patterns, Elementary School Students, Junior High School Students, Junior High School Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, Principals, Mental Health Workers, Family Programs, Family School Relationship, Hispanic American Students, Minority Group Students, Trauma Informed Approach
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A200238