Ideas and Tips

Watch the Education PSAs and change the way you think/talk about education. For example, think "How can I engage in learning?" instead of "Is the teacher engaging me?" and say "She obtained her education..." instead of "She received her education...".

In addition to (or instead of) rewarding individual perfect attendance, consider rewards to classrooms that reach the state benchmark of 95% average daily attendance over a pre-set period (monthly, quarterly, etc.). Examples of classroom rewards = donated treats for lunch/snack time, five-minute extended recess, "celebrity" guest classroom presenter.
• Mary and Ralph, school attendance staff (Wai'anae Complex).

When a parent says, "My kids do good in school. What's wrong if I take them out once in a while?"
You say, "Just think how much better they could do if they were in school every day."
• Nancy, retired ESAP Coordinator (DOE).

Remember, parents of elementary school students are often young parents who are still learning basic parenting skills (beginning with how they were raised, good or bad, by their parents). If they are open to advice, share your personal experiences related to their specific needs.
• From a parenting support session trainer.

If "excused" versus "unexcused" absences and parent/doctor notes become an issue, remind the parent and school staff that: 1) school attendance is the law (see Definitions); and 2) absence from school regardless of the reason means the student is not in school learning.
• Patrick, Truancy Reduction Demonstration Program (UHM).

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Truancy in Hawaii and Beyond
URL: www.hawaii.edu/truancy
College of Education
University of Hawaii