**Recess and Cash Incentives: A Solution to Kids Skipping School**
As schools across the United States continue to grapple with chronic absenteeism among students, innovative solutions are emerging to address this pressing issue. With the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic still impacting education, it has become more crucial than ever to find ways to encourage students to attend school regularly and actively engage in their learning. From implementing recess periods to offering cash incentives, schools are exploring creative strategies to combat high absenteeism rates and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
**The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism**
Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing at least 10% of the school year, has been on the rise in recent years, exacerbated by the disruptions caused by the pandemic. According to data collected by The Associated Press and Stanford University economist Thomas Dee, approximately 1 in 4 students in the 2022-23 school year were considered chronically absent, representing about 12 million children in 42 states and Washington, D.C. This marks a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels, where only 15% of students missed that much school.
The consequences of chronic absenteeism are profound, with students at higher risk of falling behind academically, experiencing social isolation, and eventually dropping out of school. In addition to missing out on valuable learning opportunities, absent students also forego essential support services provided by schools, such as meals, counseling, and socialization. Addressing the root causes of absenteeism is essential to ensuring that all students have equal access to education and the resources they need to thrive.
**Innovative Solutions to Improve Attendance**
In response to the rising rates of chronic absenteeism, schools are implementing a range of innovative strategies to encourage students to attend school regularly and engage more actively in their education. One such approach is the introduction of recess periods during the school day, providing students with a much-needed break and an opportunity to engage in physical activity. For students like Flerentin “Flex” Jean-Baptiste, a high schooler in Medford, Massachusetts, the chance to participate in organized sports during lunch was a game-changer. By offering students a fun and engaging activity to look forward to, schools can motivate them to attend classes regularly and reduce absenteeism rates.
Similarly, cash incentives have proven to be an effective tool in improving attendance among students facing barriers to regular school attendance. In Oakland, California, a grant-funded program launched in spring 2023 paid 45 students $50 weekly for perfect attendance. In addition to the financial incentive, students also received support from a mentor and engaged in daily check-ins and mental health assessments. While paying students may not be a long-term solution, it has been successful in motivating absent students to come to school and participate more actively in their education.
**Creating a Supportive Environment for Students**
Beyond recess periods and cash incentives, schools are focusing on creating a supportive and nurturing environment for students to address the underlying reasons for chronic absenteeism. By identifying students with slipping attendance and providing targeted support, schools can help students overcome barriers to regular school attendance and stay engaged in their learning. Improved communication with parents is also essential, as many parents may not be aware of their child’s absences or the impact it can have on their academic success.
In Medford High School, administrators make a point to greet and talk with students each morning, especially those with a history of missing school. This personalized approach helps students feel valued and supported, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to their school community. Principal Marta Cabral emphasizes the importance of allowing high schoolers the freedom to move their bodies and have fun during the school day, recognizing that students need opportunities for recreation and socialization to thrive academically.
**Addressing Root Causes of Absenteeism**
While recess periods, cash incentives, and supportive interventions can help improve attendance rates, addressing the root causes of chronic absenteeism is essential to creating lasting change. Financial hardship, transportation problems, mild illness, and mental health struggles are among the common reasons why students miss school, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions that address these underlying issues. By providing resources such as laundry facilities, transportation services, and mental health support, schools can help students overcome barriers to attendance and create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.
In Fresno, California, Fort Miller Middle School took proactive steps to address the reasons behind high absenteeism rates among students. By providing access to laundry facilities and transportation services, the school saw a significant improvement in chronic absenteeism rates, with more students attending school regularly. Melinda Gonzalez, a student at the school, highlighted the impact of having access to transportation services, stating that it made a significant difference in her ability to attend school consistently.
**Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being**
Recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, schools are increasingly prioritizing mental health support for students to address absenteeism related to mental health struggles. More than a dozen states now allow students to take mental health days as excused absences, acknowledging the importance of prioritizing students’ well-being. However, staying home due to mental health concerns can create a cycle of disengagement and further exacerbate absenteeism, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support services that address both academic and emotional needs.
In Alaska, where absenteeism rates remain high, schools are grappling with the impact of remote learning on students’ expectations around attendance. In Juneau, high school English teacher Amy Lloyd noted that some families now treat attendance as optional, with students missing school for extended vacations. As schools work to reset expectations and promote the value of regular attendance, it is essential to provide students with the support they need to reengage in their learning and feel connected to their school community.
**Conclusion**
As schools continue to navigate the challenges of chronic absenteeism in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, innovative solutions are emerging to address this pressing issue. From implementing recess periods and offering cash incentives to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for students, schools are taking proactive steps to improve attendance rates and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. By addressing the root causes of absenteeism, promoting mental health and well-being, and fostering a sense of belonging among students, schools can create a more equitable and supportive learning environment where all students can thrive.
