Case
Student Absences

I have a student who has been absent a lot through the course of the few months we have been at school already.She is falling behind in her academic classes, and it very apathetic when she is in class. In an effort to help her pass all subjects I have extended myself before school and after to get her work done. She does not come. What should I do?

Solution #1
To start with, you need to see why the student has been absent so much and make sure everything is okay at home. However, it is up to the student to come to your extended time. You can always get in touch with the parent to see if they would help bring the child to school early or stay late.

I would reach pout to the parents and have a face to face meeting. A lot of times, a physical meeting is better than over the phone or e-mail.

Great idea.

Solution #2
I would first see about calling her into the guidance counselors office to talk, or to see if anything could be going on at home. I would give the student another chance to come into the class after that; if she continues to not show - I would schedule a parent teacher conference.

Good idea.

Solution #3
I would talk with my counselor about talking with her and perhaps talking with her parents about attendance. It is very important to do all you can as a teacher, although in these situations you can only do so much.

I thought the same thing. I think talking with the counselor is a GREAT idea and if that doesn't work then getting in touch is the next option.

Great idea.

Solution #4
I would hold a conference with parents to see what is going on in the student's life. There may be certain unknown situations that the student is going through. Also, a conference allows for you to directly speak to the parents or guardians of that student because the student may not relay your messages to her parents. Create a bond with those parents and try to keep them involved. Suggest appropriate solutions for the problems that the student is experiencing. Speak to them and show them your concern for that student, do not approach it in an accusatory way.

I agree with you.

Solution #5
I think finding out why this student is absent so much is something you need to consider first. If the student does not come with absent notes or doctors notes than there is a concern about truancy with this student. Contacting the parents would then be the next step, face to face would be best. Getting them and the student in for a conference and explaining the amount of work the student has and the school's policy for absences may help in fixing this problem.
Solution #6
I would first suggest that you find out why she is missing so many days. Is it something serious or is she just skipping. I would then want to have a meeting with the parent about the amount absences she has. I would explain to the parent that this will have long term affects on her over all education. She will find herself being behind in her class as well possibly future classes. I would then come up with a plan that would work on getting her caught up.
Solution #7
From the sounds of the situation there may be something going on outside of the classroom that is affecting the student. Make a point to try and contact the parents and be sure not only that they know about the student's absences and struggles, but also that you have extended the offer to help before and after school. The student may not have relayed the message to the parent and this step may get the student to use this time to her advantage.

Good idea.

Solution #8
I would reach out to the parents and see why she s constantly missing class. You can express to them the effects that this is having on her grades, they might not be aware.
Solution #9
I would reach out to the parent and speak about the ongoing attendance issue. In order to get to the bottom of the attendance and incomplete work, you must talk to the parent and see what else you could do to assist student. Make the office aware of the ongoing issue and have them monitor attendance/ grades of student.
Solution #10
I would begin by reaching out to the parents and the guidance counselor. There may be circumstances (medical/ personal) that if affecting the student's ability to come to school.
Solution #11
I would get advice from someone higher up at school or have a meeting with the parent and figure out what is going on at home to cause her to miss so much school. Explain to the parents that she is falling behind and that you have extended your time and it's not helping.
Solution #12
While this is documented in your attendance log, I would document the repetitiveness. If her grades are already suffering, speak with administration and begin sending home letters about possible retention (if applicable). Ask the student why they are absent, and explain what is happening because of her absences. While a parent may not agree, they cannot expect their child to be successful if they do not show up to school or complete the course work.
Solution #13
If the absences are excessive the school administration needs to be contacted. At some point the amount of unexcused absences needs to be handled by CPS.
Solution #14
I would meet with her and her parents and try and see what plan we can come up with to get her back on track.
Solution #15
Depending on the age of the student it is usually the parents that have a lot to do with absences. Like if the parents does not feel like getting them dressed or something. So first I would make sure everything is okay at home.
Solution #16
I would discuss the absences with the student first to see if there are any issues at home i should be aware about and try to be as accommodating as possible and also set up a parent conference night to see about setting up a meet time to help keep the on track.
Solution #17
Try to find out why the student is missing classes there may be an underlying reason for their behavior. Also I would talk to the students parents to see if they might have any idea why the student is absent. Just be sure not to blame the parents or student as you will get nowhere if you do.
Solution #18
Having a face to face conversation with the parents would be ideal and contacting school professional staff would be vital. It is the duty of the teacher to make great effort into discovering what the root of this issue is.
Solution #19
Start with the parents. Find out if they are aware of her chronic absences. If they are find out why and if there is something you can do to help.

Great point.

Solution #20
For starters, I would definitely call home and make sure everything is okay with her and explain that she is skipping a lot and is very apathetic when she comes to class. Make the parents aware of the situation before confronting her because maybe the parents can help you. Depending on the situation, you can determine whether or not to have a one-on-one chat with her or go to a guidance counselor or a school administrator.
Solution #21
I would start with finding out why the student is absent so much. Speak with the guidance counselor and/or parents.
Solution #22
I would stop extending myself past the school hours and I would contact the office about being concerned. If the student is not able to drive themselves then there should be no excuse as to why the student is not attending class.
Solution #23
The first thing you should do is contact the students parents to see if they are willing to tell you why this student is missing all this class time. If you do not receive a clear response from the parents or you are not completely satisfied then you should speak with the school Social Worker because this is their job to look into things like this. You can always go to the school Social Worker first to get advice before taking any action.
Solution #24
I would inform the personal at the school, probably the vice principal. I would also send a note home to the parents, explaining the predicament.
Solution #25
I know that most teachers love to have their lunch period to themselves, but sometime we make sacrifices for what we want. If the student's success is important to you, have her eat lunch with you and get as much work done as possible during that time period until she's caught up. I would also speak with her connections teachers about keeping the student during that time as well, especially if it's P.E. or something the student enjoys. Missing out on the activities the student enjoys may motivate them to come to school more. Another thing that may motivate the student is a reward for attending school for so many days consecutively. You just have to be creative.

Great idea.