This was the cycle I chose to use with my Targeted Growth Opportunity (Problem of Practice)

How do we improve our attendance numbers for school? Current reality is our school of 450 kids has a chronic problem with both absenteeism and tardiness. This year alone we had 5,300 absences and 5,146 tardies. What does that mean? It means that every kid missed at least 11 days of school and were tardy 11 days too.

To improve our school attendance there are multiple facets of "attacking the problem"
Improving parent involvement
-Recess support
-Home visits
-Parent gatherings

Classroom Engagement
- Kids feel welcomed
- School Jobs for students
- Attendance Awards/Reward
- Community Building Activities (school & class)
-Parent communication logs

Differentiation
-Small group instruction
-Reduce anxiety and stress
-Targeted interventions

Culture
-Door Holders/Greeters
-School Jobs
-Improve Value of Kids
-Mindset of Pride
-Mentoring Programs

Staffing
- Family Advocate
- Counselor role to help chronic attendance issues

Obviously there would need to be tracking mechanisms, because although there are a lot of possible reasons for improved growth tracking which ones are most successful is the challenge. In the classroom the data would be qualitative and anecdotal, except for the fact that an implementation of a social skills curriculum would be evident.
Collecting data from parents would be vital.
-Parent Surveys
-Digital and paper feedback
-Suggestion box
-Evaluation after events
Student feedback
- Surveys
- Interviews
- Attitude check-ins

Ultimately there are many possible ways that can and will improve attendance, however which is the best tool is yet to be determined. Implementation would follow a timeline and cycle of evaluation of effectiveness. It may take multiple attempts, multiple years, and more creative attempts to improve student attendance.

It is a give and take. This targeted focus may take some funds, but getting kids to come to school and learn, has other positive outcomes. (student learning).
How could it impact the budget
- supplies paper, surveys, stamps and envelopes
- student rewards
- staffing increased counselor and para professional
- time sheeting possibly