Published On: January 21st, 2018By

Parents Can Help Avoid the ‘Spring Slide’ in Attendance

Research shows that missing 10 percent or more of school days can translate into third-graders who can’t read, sixth-graders who fail classes and high school students who drop out.
Classroom-Attendance-Matters-1

Aim for 100% attendance for a better future for your child.


In Aldine ISD, the focus is on the whole child. This includes academics as well as the characteristics of successful learners; attendance is an important component of both.

Schools across the country tend to experience student absenteeism around holidays in the fall semester. Campuses also notice attendance starts to wane after state testing in the spring semester, which for some students begins in late February (click here for major testing dates). This is known as the “spring slide.”

Research shows that attendance habits begin early and that there is a direct correlation between achievement and attendance. While poor attendance can contribute to academic struggles, it can also lead to school-related anxiety.

There are absences that are unavoidable. However, the District’s goal is to work with families to decrease unnecessary absences. Parents are key to ensuring students attend school. 

Families often arent aware that absences are adding up to so much time that their children might be academically at risk,” Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg said. “Simply put, it represents lost time in the classroom and a lost opportunity to learn.”

The Correlation Between Attendance and Long-Term Success

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Students who are chronically absent miss 10% of overall school time. That is equal to two days per month.[/li] [li]Attendance matters as early as kindergarten. Studies show that children who miss too many days in kindergarten and first grade have trouble mastering reading. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Chronic absence is a proven warning sign that a student is at risk of dropping out.[/li] [li]Good attendance can predict graduations rates. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Chronic absenteeism shows a reduction in grade point average (GPA), math, language and science scores.[/li] [li] Chronic absenteeism can reduce the likelihood of pursuing higher education or training after high school. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Funding for public schools in Texas is tied to attendance. Aldine ISD loses money on each absence. When students miss class, their campus’ average daily attendance rate drops, which can reduce state funding it receives to support its programs.[/li] [li]Visit the Aldine ISD website for complete details regarding its attendance policy. [/li]

What Can Parents Do at Home?

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Talk with your campus principal, child’s teacher or school counselor to learn more about chronic absence and how it impacts student success.[/li] [li]Help your children understand why going to school every day matters. Talk about what they miss when they are out, how showing up every day is an important skill for getting and keeping a job, and how attending every day helps them learn what they need to know to achieve their hopes and dreams. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Make attendance a priority at home. Set daily routines such as regular bedtimes for younger kids.[/li] [li]Set attendance goals with your child, and track your child’s attendance. [/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Avoid taking your children on vacations unless school is not in session.[/li] [li]Contact your child’s teacher, principal, or school counselor to report your concerns if you notice your child experiencing symptoms of school anxiety or refusal.[/li][/ul][ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Contact your child’s school to inform staff of the illnesses. In some cases, a doctor’s note may be requested. [/li][/ul]

Campus staff members are happy to work with parents to address specific issues related to their child’s school attendance.

I encourage families to aim for 100 percent attendance,” Bamberg emphasized. “Attendance matters and impacts children’s success now and in the future.”

Attendance Matters! Students Can’t Be Successful in School If They Don’t Show Up.



Click on the video below to hear from students, parents, teachers and Superintendent Dr. Wanda Bamberg about why attendance matters.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icdz4Y-Snco” width=”560″ height=”315″]

About the Author: Leticia Fehling

Director of Internal Communications