The Attendance USA Connection

Sharon Bradley and Shelneka Marsalone
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION FOR KIDS

Welcome to The Attendance Connection, powered by Attendance USA — the podcast where every conversation links research, practice, and tools to help students across the United States show up and succeed. Each month, co-hosts Sharon Bradley and Shelneka Marsalone sit down with education leaders, researchers, and practitioners who are transforming attendance obstacles into opportunities. From chronic absenteeism to family engagement to systems that strengthen student connectedness, this podcast explores what really works in schools today. Join us as we uncover real partners, real strategies, and real systems that make every day — and every connection — count.

Episodes

  1. The Hidden Link Between Chronic Absenteeism and Long-Term Life Outcomes with Dr. Judith Rhodes

    MAY 13

    The Hidden Link Between Chronic Absenteeism and Long-Term Life Outcomes with Dr. Judith Rhodes

    In this episode, we dive into innovative strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism and fostering student engagement. Featuring Dr. Judith Rhodes, an esteemed researcher and leader in educational assessment, the conversation explores how partnerships between universities and K-12 schools can transform attendance and achievement.

    38 min
  2. The Power of Relationships with Salvatore Birardi

    APR 8

    The Power of Relationships with Salvatore Birardi

    In this episode, we explore the critical importance of attendance in schools, strategies for increasing student engagement, and the impactful role of community and family support. Our guest, Sal Birardi, shares his experiences from his 22 years in education and his work supporting over 25,000 students in New York City, emphasizing that attendance is a collective responsibility. Resources Attendance USA - https://attendanceusa.org New York City Public Schools - https://www.schools.nyc.gov Success Mentors Program - https://attendanceusa.org/success-mentors Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) - https://taschool.org

    32 min
  3. School Avoidance with Jayne Demsky

    MAR 11

    School Avoidance with Jayne Demsky

    In this episode, we explore the complex issue of school avoidance, its psychosocial roots, and effective strategies for families, educators, and communities to work together to support students. We dive into research findings, real-life success stories, and resources that can help turn things around for children struggling with attendance. About Our Guest: Jayne Demsky Jayne Demsky is a passionate advocate for students facing school avoidance challenges. As the founder of the School Avoidance Alliance, she has dedicated her career to supporting families and educators in understanding and addressing the complexities of school avoidance. With a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise, Jayne provides invaluable insights and practical strategies to help students re-engage with their education. Key Topics: Understanding the difference between barriers and avoidance in student absenteeismThe importance of school culture and creating safe, supportive environmentsThe role of family advocacy and community engagement in tackling school avoidanceLegal considerations: 504 plans and IEPs for students with mental health challengesPractical interventions: building relationships, modifying schedules, and peer supportThe impact of trained frontline staff and educator awareness on student successHow the School Avoidance Alliance supports families and schools with targeted courses and communitySuccess stories of families overcoming avoidance through collaborative effortsUpcoming Attendance USA Research to Practice Summit for research-driven strategiesResources & Links: https://nprinc.com/chronic-absenteeism-strategies-for-addressing-school-refusal-and-avoidance/https://a.co/d/059FwCWOAttendance USAConnect with Jayne Demsky: Website: schoolavoidance.orgJoin us for the upcoming Research to Practice Summit: Date: June 5-7, 2026Location: Louisiana State UniversityEmail: shelneka@attendanceusa.org

    37 min
  4. Stronger Together: Community and School Partnerships that Work with Jansen Azarias-Suzumoto

    FEB 4

    Stronger Together: Community and School Partnerships that Work with Jansen Azarias-Suzumoto

    In this episode, we dive deep into innovative strategies for increasing student attendance, addressing systemic barriers, and building strong community partnerships. Jansen Azarias-Suzumoto shares his inspiring journey from childhood challenges to leading impactful community work in Arizona, emphasizing empathetic accountability and collaborative solutions.

    34 min
  5. Family Engagement and Stability with Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty

    JAN 7

    Family Engagement and Stability with Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty

    In this episode of the Attendance USA Connection podcast, hosts Shelneka Marsalone and Sharon Bradley welcome Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, a leading researcher in school attendance and family stability. The conversation explores the importance of parent engagement in increasing school attendance, the impact of family stability on student success, and practical strategies for schools to better engage parents. Dr. Gentle-Genitty shares her origin story and research focus, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to addressing absenteeism. The episode concludes with actionable insights for educators and parents to work together in supporting students' attendance and overall well-being. Resources: Perception of School Social Bonding (PSSB) Instrument: Structural and Concurrent Validity | Contemporary School Psychology https://share.google/QVNZ0uCTJYc4z11M0

    38 min
  6. Introducing: Attendance USA Connection

    12/03/2025

    Introducing: Attendance USA Connection

    The AttendanceUSA Connection podcast aims to address the critical issue of chronic absenteeism in schools by connecting research, practice, and resources. Hosts Shelneka Marsalone and Sharon Bradley discuss the importance of building partnerships, understanding psychosocial needs, and creating supportive systems to engage students and families effectively. They share their professional journeys, the inception of Attendance USA, and their vision for future conversations that will empower educators and communities to tackle absenteeism collaboratively. Attendance USA Resource Guides Attendance USA website Attendance USA video https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=892a6834e9&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1849874234874837597&th=19ac12d0c8dcba5d&view=att&disp=safe&realattid=f_mig9o60g0&zw For more information about your hosts: About Shelneka and We Got Goals About | We Got Goals LLC About Sharon and RestorativeFlo Educational Solutions About — RestorativeFlo Educational Solutions

    33 min
  7. Attendance USA Connection Podcast Introduction

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Attendance USA Connection Podcast Introduction

    The introduction episode of AttendanceUSA Connection sets the stage for a series of insightful conversations aimed at linking research, practice, and resources to help students across the country succeed. Hosts Shelneka Marsalone and Sharon Bradley introduce the podcast's mission to engage with educational leaders, practitioners, researchers, and community organizations who are transforming challenges into opportunities for student and family reengagement.

    1 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Attendance Connection, powered by Attendance USA — the podcast where every conversation links research, practice, and tools to help students across the United States show up and succeed. Each month, co-hosts Sharon Bradley and Shelneka Marsalone sit down with education leaders, researchers, and practitioners who are transforming attendance obstacles into opportunities. From chronic absenteeism to family engagement to systems that strengthen student connectedness, this podcast explores what really works in schools today. Join us as we uncover real partners, real strategies, and real systems that make every day — and every connection — count.

Information

  • Creator
    Sharon Bradley and Shelneka Marsalone
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Attendance Connection USA 2025
  • Show Website
    The Attendance USA Connection