Schools often treat attendance as a problem for attendance teams or administrators alone, but the issue stretches far beyond that. Absenteeism actually mirrors the overall student experience, shaped by every adult in a building—teachers, counselors, and staff alike.
Educators Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey make this case in a recent webinar, where they reject the notion that attendance is purely a logistical challenge. Their findings show that chronic absenteeism stems not from student laziness or rebellion, but from a lack of connection to school. The pair’s approach shifts focus from punitive measures to addressing root causes: students skip class when they feel disconnected from their surroundings.
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Their model identifies four essential factors that influence attendance. First, strong relationships between adults and students create a foundation of trust. Second, a sense of belonging within the school community makes students feel valued. Third, engaging instruction keeps students invested in their learning. Finally, timely interventions, catching and addressing issues early, prevent small problems from becoming larger barriers.
The webinar, organized by Education Week, provides schools with tools to move past outdated attendance-tracking methods. A full transcript will be available for download within five business days after the event, and participants who engage for at least 53 minutes can earn a certificate for one hour of professional development credit.
