Every absence has a story. This interactive session explores how attendance impacts student learning, well-being, engagement, and long-term success. Participants will examine chronic absenteeism, identify barriers to attendance, and explore how trauma, emotional well-being, and school or placement changes can affect a student’s ability to attend consistently.

Participants will gain practical strategies for using attendance data to identify concerns early, strengthening relationships with students and families, and developing targeted attendance support plans. The session emphasizes moving beyond simply documenting absences to understanding the underlying barriers and connecting students with meaningful supports.

Participants will leave with practical strategies they can use at the classroom, school, and district levels to promote positive attendance and help every student stay connected to learning.