Connecticut State Department of Education

Greetings! The Connecticut State Board of Education has undertaken a months-long process of developing it's 2023-2028 Five-Year Plan. After several months of meetings and retreats, engagement with thousands of stakeholders through surveys and focus groups, input by Connecticut State Department of Education staff and leadership, the latest draft, which includes goals, action items and outcomes, has been developed. Please use the link below to access the latest draft of the plan. We welcome your review and comments using the fillable form . Draft Comprehensive Plan 2023-2028

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


Why are students chronically absent?


Research has shown that the reasons why students are chronically absent fall into four categories:

  1. Myths and misperceptions about attendance
  2. Barriers to attendance
  3. Aversion to school
  4. Disengagement from school

(Attendance Works, 2014)

Districts and individual schools will need to “unpack” their data and work closely with families and students to determine why students are absent. Communicating in a culturally relevant manner with parents around the myths and perceptions about attendance is essential so that they can become partners with school district efforts to improve attendance.

Why are students chronically absent

(Attendance Works, 2014)

Resources

Breaking Barriers to Attendance, Attendance Works

In School and On Track: A toolkit on “How to talk to parents of elementary school students about their children’s absences,” California Attorney General and Ad Council

The Attendance Imperative: How States Can Advance Achievement by Reducing Chronic Absence, Attendance Works

Understanding the Factors Contributing to Chronic Absence in Your School, Attendance Works