42 min
Episode 9 - Increased absenteeism isn’t just a bad habit. Curiosity and communication can help. Mental Health Goes to School
-
- Mental Health
In this episode Jo-Ann and Candida spin off from our last interview about school avoidance, digging a little deeper into the high rates of chronic absenteeism being seen across the country since COVID-19. Public discussions have tended to focus on this problem as one of kids and families falling into bad habits since the pandemic. In our experience and reading we have found that there are numerous reasons for students to be chronically absent and that solving this problem will need a broader perspective and a focus on understanding unmet needs.
Jo-Ann and Candida spend some time discussing the need for schools to respond to extended absences with curiosity and increased communication, rather than an impersonal, punitive letter or demands from the school or district. Offering a non-judgmental space in which families feel comfortable talking about what’s going on is a big first step. Of course, families need to stay in touch with the school, and encouraging that is part of a more welcoming approach by the school.
The discussion covers a range of mental and physical health needs that might lead a student to be out of school for a long time including anxiety, ADHD, and depression. Social challenges, including bullying, are frequent reasons that students don’t want to go to school. Physical illnesses, including things such as gastrointestinal distress, are commonly seen in children and teens and can be embarrassing for them. Understanding students’ needs and providing accommodations and modifications are essential in these situations.
Academic struggles and teacher/student communication challenges can be central reasons children avoid school. Trying to catch up after being out sick is a common jumping-off point for school avoidance. Modifying or off-loading missed work is a common modification that can make a world of difference in getting students back - along with welcoming them, without calling them out for their absence.
The discussion recalls prior interviews - including those in which we talked about how hungry, tired, scared, angry, or hurting children can’t learn. Ensuring these needs are met is essential to helping students get back to school regularly. The discussions in several episodes focused on helping children, teens, and adults increase their emotional literacy and skills for regulation to improve feelings of safety and emotional well-being at school.
Other critical barriers to school attendance can include a parent’s illness or other struggles, challenges in financial and/or housing resources, absent or inconsistent school transportation, lack of access to laundry facilities, and many other social determinants of health significantly increase the risks of chronic school absenteeism. While districts all over the country are trying to create ways to help children address some of these needs, many of these problems can’t be solved at school. However, a curious approach to children and families struggling with attendance can help uncover unmet needs and can change the whole approach from punishment to support.
School Avoidance Alliance
Lauri DeSautelis Revelations in Education
Washington Post - Students who miss school get help, not punishment
Providing laundry machines at school to combat absenteeism
If you enjoy our content, please like and follow - and review if you can!
In this episode Jo-Ann and Candida spin off from our last interview about school avoidance, digging a little deeper into the high rates of chronic absenteeism being seen across the country since COVID-19. Public discussions have tended to focus on this problem as one of kids and families falling into bad habits since the pandemic. In our experience and reading we have found that there are numerous reasons for students to be chronically absent and that solving this problem will need a broader perspective and a focus on understanding unmet needs.
Jo-Ann and Candida spend some time discussing the need for schools to respond to extended absences with curiosity and increased communication, rather than an impersonal, punitive letter or demands from the school or district. Offering a non-judgmental space in which families feel comfortable talking about what’s going on is a big first step. Of course, families need to stay in touch with the school, and encouraging that is part of a more welcoming approach by the school.
The discussion covers a range of mental and physical health needs that might lead a student to be out of school for a long time including anxiety, ADHD, and depression. Social challenges, including bullying, are frequent reasons that students don’t want to go to school. Physical illnesses, including things such as gastrointestinal distress, are commonly seen in children and teens and can be embarrassing for them. Understanding students’ needs and providing accommodations and modifications are essential in these situations.
Academic struggles and teacher/student communication challenges can be central reasons children avoid school. Trying to catch up after being out sick is a common jumping-off point for school avoidance. Modifying or off-loading missed work is a common modification that can make a world of difference in getting students back - along with welcoming them, without calling them out for their absence.
The discussion recalls prior interviews - including those in which we talked about how hungry, tired, scared, angry, or hurting children can’t learn. Ensuring these needs are met is essential to helping students get back to school regularly. The discussions in several episodes focused on helping children, teens, and adults increase their emotional literacy and skills for regulation to improve feelings of safety and emotional well-being at school.
Other critical barriers to school attendance can include a parent’s illness or other struggles, challenges in financial and/or housing resources, absent or inconsistent school transportation, lack of access to laundry facilities, and many other social determinants of health significantly increase the risks of chronic school absenteeism. While districts all over the country are trying to create ways to help children address some of these needs, many of these problems can’t be solved at school. However, a curious approach to children and families struggling with attendance can help uncover unmet needs and can change the whole approach from punishment to support.
School Avoidance Alliance
Lauri DeSautelis Revelations in Education
Washington Post - Students who miss school get help, not punishment
Providing laundry machines at school to combat absenteeism
If you enjoy our content, please like and follow - and review if you can!
42 min