Although debate continues about the effectiveness of Common Core, block scheduling and the academies model, no one can deny that absenteeism hinders education.
In an effort to reduce absenteeism, the Jefferson City Public Schools are prioritizing initiatives to boost attendance at all grade levels.
Along the spectrum of carrot-or-stick approaches, the district's approach is based largely on incentives, which we believe is wise, rather than punishments.
Among the efforts:
• At Jefferson City High School, awareness posters and a slideshow focus on attendance rates, students with high attendance may earn a school dance ticket and two part-time people have been designated to address truancy.
• At Lewis and Clark Middle School, students are welcomed at the door, high attendance is celebrated and Missouri Supreme Court Judge Mary Russell continues to host Blazer Court, which emphasizes attendance.
• At East Elementary School, students with perfect attendance are recognized monthly.
Educators are acutely aware of conditions, including socio-economic factors, that impede attendance. Students may be self-conscious about their clothing or grooming, they may fear being humiliated or bullied, or they may be coping with larger problems involving their families or home life.
That's why having school personnel help them overcome personal problems and having educators welcome them at the schoolhouse door are important.
That outreach helps students understand their attendance is necessary because their welfare and education are important.
Education includes countless components, and administrators, teachers, patrons, parents and students will continue to discuss and debate which initiatives are most effective. An undeniable foundation, however, is education requires participation.
As Jefferson City High School Principal Bob James observed: "I can't teach a student that's not here, but if they're here, I have a chance."