“From Attendance to Engagement: Real Solutions for Chronic Absenteeism”
What the research says — and what schools can do right now to improve attendance and strengthen student connection.
The Challenge Schools Are Facing
Across the country, schools are grappling with a growing challenge: chronic absenteeism.
But attendance is rarely just about showing up.
Students miss school for many reasons—disconnection, anxiety, transportation challenges, family stress, or feeling that school isn’t a place where they belong.
When absenteeism increases, it impacts far more than individual students. It affects:
- academic progress
- classroom culture
- teacher morale
- and the overall health of the school community
Many schools are searching for practical ways to move beyond reactive responses and create conditions where students want to come to school.
Missed the Webinar? Watch it Here!
What You’ll Learn
Join national attendance experts from Attendance Works for an insightful conversation about the real drivers behind chronic absenteeism—and what educators can do about it.
In this session we’ll explore:
- What chronic absenteeism really means and how it differs from truancy and other attendance metrics
- Current national trends and which student populations are being most impacted
- How absenteeism affects the entire school community—not just individual students
- How schools can shift from reactive approaches to preventative strategies
- The role of belonging, relationships, and social-emotional factors in improving attendance
- Practical strategies educators can begin implementing next week
This webinar will focus on real solutions schools are using successfully right now.
💬 Know a colleague who’d benefit? Share the link—this is a conversation every educator should be part of.
This Is a Live, Interactive Discussion
We encourage you to join us live and participate in the chat. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your ideas. This is a conversation — not just a presentation.
Meet our panelists:
Gisela Ariza
Gisela Ariza is the Associate Director of Programs at Attendance Works, where she supports state agencies, districts, and schools in developing strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism. She previously worked on school improvement efforts in South Los Angeles and supported state partners implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act to advance educational equity.
Maria Casey
Maria Casey is the Associate Director of Staff Development and a longtime leader in public education, public health, and nonprofit program development. She has held leadership roles with the Alameda County Office of Education, the Public Health Institute, and the Urban Strategies Council, where she has focused on building partnerships and developing initiatives that improve opportunities for vulnerable children and families.
Jason Johnson
Jason Johnson is a licensed school psychologist and Director of Training & Research for WhyTry, where he consults and trains educators nationwide on resilience-based strategies to support student success. A nationally recognized expert in resilience education, he has spoken at hundreds of conferences and led WhyTry program implementations in schools, healthcare, corporate settings, and the U.S. Military. Passionate about helping students overcome challenges, Jason is dedicated to creating a culture of resilience in education.