Data suggests that punishment, threats are not the answers to chronic absenteeism in schools

By Alderperson Katie Van Zeeland

Attendance matters. The question has always been: What actually improves attendance?

A new article in The Conversation highlights research showing that students are less likely to be chronically absent when they feel safe, connected, supported, and like they belong at school. Connectedness was the strongest school-climate predictor, corresponding with nearly a 3-percentage point reduction in chronic absenteeism. Safety and structure for learning, including consistent behavioral standards and high academic expectations, also mattered.

That finding about belonging stood out to me.

One of the records I specifically requested from the Appleton Area School Board (during the debate over the truancy ordinance) was its scorecard measures for student belonging. If belonging is strongly associated with attendance, we should know what our own students are telling us. We should also be looking for ways to gauge this outside of student surveys.

I have worked hard as an alderperson to approach issues on their merits: look at the data, seek out expert research, ask hard questions, and make the best decision I can for my constituents and the city. I do not decide where I want to land and then search for evidence to support it. 

Truancy is no different.

However, AASD administration, along with some teachers and colleagues, have admonished council members who did not support making the truancy ordinance permanent. We have been told that district administrators are the education experts and, at times, that those who disagree are unwilling to listen, easily misled, or simply do not understand the issue.

I respect their expertise. But expertise does not end at the district boundary.

The broader research on chronic absenteeism tells us to focus on barriers, connectedness, belonging, safety, and students' experience at school, not simply citations and threats of court involvement. This is not an argument against discipline or accountability. Clear expectations, consistent behavioral standards, and high academic expectations are themselves part of a healthy school climate.

But threatening or punishing students for absenteeism isn't solving absenteeism.

Citations don't create a sense of belonging

Researchers instead suggest practical steps such as ensuring every student has an adult checking in with them and asking students what would make them want to be at school.

A citation does not create belonging or explain why a student has disengaged. The goal should be to reach students before they disengage and build a culture that invites them back.

Changing culture starts at the top and requires administrative leadership and innovation.

Teachers are already educating students, building relationships, managing classrooms, and responding to individual needs. Chronic absenteeism cannot simply become another initiative pushed down to them. District administration should own this challenge by studying what works, testing new approaches, removing barriers, coordinating supports, measuring results, and giving teachers the tools to succeed.

Innovation requires leadership willing to rethink the system, not simply push more responsibility down to the classroom.

I also hope the School Board will press the district to follow the research and ensure our attendance strategy reflects what the evidence says actually works.

We should listen to our local experts. We should also expect our local experts to listen to the research.

You can sign up for emails about Board meetings here: https://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/.../leadership/board-of-education

If you have specific questions relating to board policies or action, please call the Office of the Superintendent of Schools at (920) 852-5300 ext. 60111, write to Board of Education members at: Appleton Area School District, P.O. Box 2019, Appleton, WI 54912-2019, or email AASDBoard@aasd.k12.wi.us.

Van Zeeland represents District 5 on the Appleton Common Council and is a four-time Council President.