How To

CT State Department of Education Evidence-based Practice Guides

The CSDE Evidence-Based Practice Guides include strategies for addressing chronic absence and the school climate section.  These guides are intended to inform school and district decision-making regarding instructional and student support programming and to optimize the use of local, state, and federal school improvement funds.

Implement a Systemic Approach

Reducing Chronic Absence in Connecticut's Schools: A Prevention and Intervention Guide for Districts and Schools

Connecticut's Reducing Chronic Absence in Connecticut Schools: A Prevention and Intervention Guide for Schools and Districts provides additional support for schools and districts including: definitions, examples of  root causes, local intervention models; strategies for districts and schools as well as state and national resources.  Watch a webinar overview of the guidance document and student attendance tracking!  Download the slideshow presentation.

Create Awareness

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow Awareness Campaign   #attendtodayct

The Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow campaign provides districts, schools and community partners with resources and artwork with the Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow slogan and design work.  A web page, www.attendtodayct.org, with printable and downloadable resources is available for schools and districts, including social media graphics, banners, badges and handouts for parents and others. Many of the materials are in English and Spanish.  On this site, you will also find information on how mentoring can be used as an intervention strategy for chronic absenteeism in Connecticut schools.

Ensure Quality Data

Student Attendance Reporting in the Public School Information System (PSIS)

• PSIS Student Attendance Reporting
  • Guidelines for Reporting Student Attendance in PSIS
  • Calculating Student Attendance Quick Reference
  • PSIS Appendix L - Reporting Information about Students Who are Disengaged

Create a Community-based System of Supports and Services for Students who are Truant or Defiant of School Rules

 A referral form and guidance document for referral to a Youth Service Bureau has been developed to assist local communities in the establishment of community-based systems of supports and systems for students who are truant.  Students who are truant or defiant of school rules may no longer be referred to the juvenile court. Guidance is provided in the resources below.

• Memorandum to Superintendents of Schools, February 22, 2018, Youth Service Bureau Referral for Truancy and Defiance of School Rules
• Youth Service Bureau Referral for Truancy and Defiance of School Rules Form
• Youth Service Bureau Referral Guide for Truancy and Defiance of School Rules

Provide Equal Access

Guidance for Connecticut School Districts: Enrollment Process and Practice

Federal and state law requires that all students – including students from other countries and homeless students – be enrolled promptly, without having to answer questions, or provide documents, that are unnecessary for confirming residency in the district or age. CSDE guidance is provided below:

• Memo: August 22, 2017
• At-a-Glance overview
• Questions and Answers
• Dear Colleague Letter
• Guidance document