MTSS & Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is a significant challenge in K-12 education, impacting student achievement and school performance. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) provides a structured approach to address this issue effectively. Maro offers a comprehensive suite of tools that can enhance MTSS strategies specifically aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism. This article explores how K-12 district leaders can leverage Maro to tackle absenteeism and promote consistent student attendance.

Understanding Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused. "In fact, according to a study conducted by the Education Week Research Center, schools across the United States lose an average of $20 billion in funding each year due to student absenteeism" (source).

Chronic absenteeism can lead to significant gaps in learning, lower academic performance, and an increased risk of dropping out. And, absenteeism is often correlated with mental health concerns (source). Addressing this issue requires a proactive, data-driven approach that identifies at-risk students early and implements targeted interventions.

Leveraging Maro for MTSS in Addressing Absenteeism

1. Data-Driven Identification

Maro’s platform enables schools to effectively identify students at risk of mental health issues. This early identification is crucial for intervening before mental health concerns lead to absenteeism and a student's academic performance is affected.

2. Targeted Interventions

Once at-risk students are identified, Maro supports the documentation of targeted interventions. These can range from behavioral supports to academic assistance, depending on the underlying causes of mental health-related absenteeism.

3. Family Engagement

Engaging families is key to addressing chronic absenteeism. Maro offers tools to facilitate communication between schools and families, helping to build trust and collaboration. By involving parents in their child's mental health journey, schools can work together with families to support regular attendance.

4. Professional Development

Professional development is key to equipping educators with the skills necessary for fostering strong relationships with students that promote attendance and proactive identification of concerns. Maro offers teacher resources to support proactive identification of mental health concerns and parent nights that help educators build capacity for meaningful engagement with families.

5. Monitoring and Adjusting Strategies

Continuous monitoring of intervention strategies is vital to their success. Maro’s platform allows schools to track the progress of interventions over time.

Chronic absenteeism is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. By utilizing Maro’s MTSS framework and tools, K-12 district leaders can implement effective strategies to reduce absenteeism and improve student outcomes. Maro's data-driven insights, targeted interventions, family engagement tools, professional development, and continuous monitoring capabilities make it an invaluable resource for schools committed to ensuring every student attends school regularly and achieves their full potential.